https://padlet.com/colton_garrison/1j3iyvf9beob en-us 2018-11-29 14:19:20 UTC 2025-10-23 21:18:56 UTC hello@padlet.com colton_garrison https://padlet.com/colton_garrison/1j3iyvf9beob/wish/309290675 1) In early Athens, kings ruled the city-state. Later, a group of rich landowners, or aristocrats, took power. A government in which only a few people have power is called an oligarchy.
2) The aristocrats dominated Athenian society. As the richest men in town, they ran the city's economy. They also served as its generals and judges. Common people had little to say in the government. In the 600s BC a group of rebels tried to overthrow the aristocrats. They failed. Possibly as a result of their attempt, however, a man named Draco created a new set of laws for Athens. These laws were harsh. For example, Draco's laws made minor crimes such as loitering punishable by death.
3) Around 500 BC a new leader named Cleisthenes gained power in Athens. Although he was a member of one of the most powerful families in Athens, Cleisthenes didn't want aristocrats to run the government.
4) By calling on the support of the people, Cleisthenes was able to overthrow the aristocracy once and for all.
5) Under Cleisthenes' leadership, Athens developed the world's first democracy. For this 
reason, he is sometimes called the father of democracy.
6) Athens remained a democracy for about 170 years. It reached its height under a brilliant elected leader named Pericles. He led the government from about 460 BC until his death in 429 BC. Pericles encouraged the Athenians to take pride in their city. He believed that participating in government was just as important as defending Athens in war. To encourage people to participate in government, Pericles began to pay people who served in public offices or on juries. Pericles also encouraged the people of Athens to introduce democracy into other parts of Greece. ]]> 2018-11-29 14:21:19 UTC https://padlet.com/colton_garrison/1j3iyvf9beob/wish/309290675