* Athens was ruled by a Limited Democracy
* It is considered to be the birthplace of democracy
* Democracy means 'ruled by the people
* A group, or council, of approximately 500 men sat in the Agora and made decisions for the citizens
* Control rotated on a regular basis
* Agriculture was strong and vital to the economy
* A great fleet of boats helped Athenians trade with allies
* Ideas and goods were traded relatively freely in and out of Athens
* Athenians used metal coins
* Marble was another commodity that was profitable for Athens
* Not fighters, mostly focused on education and the arts
* Worked closely with others to trade and share ideas
* Did have very large strong Navy which allowed Athens to expand their influence across the Mediterranean Sea and Greece
* Athenians 'imported' ideas and materials from their many allies through trade
* Athenians saw growth as developing the city. This promoted architectural wonders, moving art and engineering feats.
* Athens was famous for its fine pottery
Athens - World History Encyclopedia
Athens, Greece, with its famous Acropolis, has come to symbolize the whole of the country in the popular imagination, and not without cause. It not only has its iconic ruins and the famous port of Piraeus but, thanks to ancient writers, its history is better documented than most other ancient Greek city-states.
Athens - Encyclopedia Britannica
Athens, historic city and capital of Greece. Many of Classical civilization’s intellectual and artistic ideas originated there, and the city is generally considered to be the birthplace of Western civilization.
History of Athens - Encyclopedia Britannica
The early history of Athens and its expansion
How people voted in ancient elections - History
In Athens, voting could entail shouting contests, secret stone ballots and an election system with built-in bias for the wealthy.
* Athenians worshipped Gods very closely. Athena was their central Goddess.
* Some young men joined the Army or Navy
* Many more went to school to study the Arts of Science and Math.
* Athenians respected thinkers. They valued knowledge.
* Were judged on beauty and appearance.
* Wore makeup and very elaborate jewellry
* Were dependents on their fathers and husbands.
* They could no property and could not vote
* The women of Athens had few rights and little freedom.
* Upon marriage all possessions became the property of the husband
* Women spent most of their time managing the household affairs.
