11. The Rise of Athens (cont.)

Introduction to Ancient Greek History (CLCV 205)

In this lecture, Professor Kagan traces the development of Athens. He argues that Athens, like other poleis, undergoes political and social turmoil due to the rise of the hoplite farmer. This unrest is first seen in the attempted coup d'état of Cylon and the Law of Draco. Professor Kagan also points out that in response to these developments, Solon was made sole archon of Athens to establish peace in a time of unrest. It should also be noted that Solon established laws that were moderate in nature. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Solon was only partially successful. Eventually, a tyranny is established in Athens by Peisistratus, but Peisistratus, according to Professor Kagan, was a special type of tyrant, one that not only upheld the new laws of Solon, but was also interested in the welfare of Athens.

00:00 - Chapter 1. The Code of Draco; Athenian Colonies
09:13 - Chapter 2. Crises and the Rise of Athens and Solon as Sole Archon
20:25 - Chapter 3. Choosing Solon
25:49 - Chapter 4. Solon's Economic and Social Measures
37:21 - Chapter 5. Solon's Political Measures
47:22 - Chapter 6. Dissatisfaction and Years of Anarchy
52:48 - Chapter 7. Peisistratus, the Very Special Tyrant

Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://open.yale.edu/courses

This course was recorded in Fall 2007.