Athenian Democracy: Origins, Features, Distinctions

Athenian Democracy: Origins, Features, Distinctions

The first lecture describes the beginnings and history of the Athenian empire, which was formerly the Delian league. Dr. Kagan states that the transformation into Athens was one that had many effects for the citizens, prime among them being the resurrection of the conflict between Athens and Sparta. It is to be remembered that this conflict changed the history of Greek empire with the effects still lingering on to date. With the formation of the empire, Sparta sought to demolish the ever growing economic power of Athens; on the other hand Athens sought a union that would make it the one…