My ancient Greec Project!


In 510BC a new way of running the government was invented in Athens. Demokratia from which we get our word democracy means rule by the people . Any man with full citizen rights (because women couldnt vote) could go to the assembly where they could speak and vote freely. Public debates like this decided how the city was run.

Athens had law courts with trial by jury. Juries were much bigger than today. With a few hundred members or more. After listening to the evidence jurors voted by
puting metal discs into two jars one for guilty and one for not guilty. Punishments were decided by the court, and some included death.

Women did not have citizen rights. They could not take part in the assembly or vote or serve on juries.
In rich families girls were educated to run the house and to keep slaves happy.

Athens had festivals every year, festivals for athletics, drama and religious occasions. The city paid for these using the tax money but the wealthiest citizens of Athens were obliged to give extra help.
Rich citizens considered it an honour to pay the performers fees in all the drama festivals.

The ancient Greeks believed in many gods and goddesses who influenced all aspects of life. They kept the gods happy with small offerings and by sacrificing animals at great festivals. At festivals the Greeks also held athletics and theatre competitions in honour of the gods.
The Greeks also believed that the gods could answer questions and give advice.