Athens: Birthplace of Democracy?
The Ancients27 Apr 2023

Athens: Birthplace of Democracy?

When we think of democracy in the ancient Greek world, our minds often go straight to Athens, the purported birthplace of democracy. But was Athens truly the home of democracy? And if so, who's responsible for giving a voice to the people?


In this episode, Tristan chats to Professor Paul Cartledge from the University of Cambridge about the political landscape of ancient Greece and the origins of this revolutionary form of government. Looking at the radical statesman Cleisthenes; exploring his contributions to the democratic process, and delving into ancient forms of political exclusion and ostracism - can we really call Athens the birthplace of democracy? And if not, where actually is?


For more Ancients content, subscribe to our newsletter here.


If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to Android or Apple store

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episoder(618)

Rise of Humans

Rise of Humans

How did we go from ancient apes to the dominant species on Earth? The story of human evolution is one of survival, adaptation, and extinction - stretching back 7 million years.In this episode of The A...

6 Apr 202558min

Herculaneum

Herculaneum

In 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius unleashed devastation on the Roman world, burying entire towns beneath volcanic ash. While Pompeii is world-famous, another extraordinary site met the same fate - Herculaneum....

3 Apr 20251h 3min

Prehistoric Nigeria: The Nok

Prehistoric Nigeria: The Nok

In the heart of ancient Nigeria, a mysterious civilisation flourished - known today only through archaeology. The Nok Culture, symbolised by its striking terracotta figurines, remains one of Africa’s ...

30 Mar 202554min

Jurassic America

Jurassic America

Tristan Hughes explores Ancient America's true age; how 19th-century fossil discoveries across North America revealed a history far older than previously believed, challenging the notion that the Amer...

27 Mar 202543min

The Fall of Athens

The Fall of Athens

In 404 BC, Athens faced total defeat. Once the dominant power of the Greek world, their navy was shattered, their food supply cut off, and on the horizon an armada of Spartan ships signalled the city’...

23 Mar 202557min

The Iliad

The Iliad

A story of war, honour, and destiny, The Iliad is one of the greatest epics in history. Written by Homer and featuring legendary figures like Achilles, Hector, and Agamemnon, it captures the drama and...

20 Mar 202553min

Rise of Julius Caesar

Rise of Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar is one of history’s most famous figures. But before his legendary conquests and romance with Cleopatra, how did he rise to power?In this episode of The Ancients, host Tristan Hughes is j...

16 Mar 202551min

Obelisks

Obelisks

Ancient Egyptian obelisks stand as towering symbols of power and engineering brilliance, scattered across the world. But how were they built and what purpose did they serve?In this episode of The Anci...

13 Mar 202555min

Populært innen Historie

rss-dette-ma-aldri-skje-igjen
med-egne-oyne
historier-som-endret-norge
henrettelsespodden
rss-benadet
historier-som-endret-verden
rss-katastrofe
sektledere
rss-nadelose-nordmenn-gestapo
aftenposten-historie
rss-gamle-greier
rss-strid-de-norske-borgerkrigene
rss-frontkjemperne
rss-bisarr-historie
rss-historiske-romanser-svik-drap-og-kjarlighet
historiepodden-ww2
liberal-halvtime
historiepodden
rss-historiepodden-ww2
vare-historier