Culture
What is the name of the most famous temple on the Acropolis in Athens?
The Parthenon.
What was the primary governing body in Ancient Athens?
The assembly (also known as the Ecclesia).
In addition to the Parthenon, name another prominent building on the Acropolis that was dedicated to Athena.
The Erechtheion
Who was the main patron goddess of Athens?
Athena
What was the primary form of government in ancient Athens?
Democracy
Which Athenian philosopher is best known for his "Socratic Method" of questioning and is believed to have been executed for his ideas?
Socrates.
Who could participate in the Athenian assembly?
All male citizens who were over 20 years old and were not slaves.
What architectural feature is distinctive of the Erechtheion, and what makes it unique compared to the Parthenon?
The Erechtheion features caryatids, which are female figures that support the building's roof, while the Parthenon uses standard Doric columns.
Besides Athena, what were some other significant deities revered in Athens? (Give 3)
Other deities included Zeus, Poseidon, Hera, Hades, Apollo, Artemis, Hermes, Dionysus.
The Council of 500 (Boule) prepared the agenda for the Assembly and managed the day-to-day affairs of the state, while the court system handled legal cases and elections.
What is the term for the Athenian assembly of citizens that made laws and voted on important issues?
The Assembly or the Ekklesia.
What was the function of the Council of 500 (Boule)
The Council of 500 prepared agendas and proposed laws for the assembly to discuss.
What is the specific purpose or function of the Treasury of Athens, and where was it located on the Acropolis?
The Treasury of Athens (also known as the Attic Treasury) was used to store the wealth and artifacts of Athens, and it was situated on the Acropolis, near the Parthenon.
What are some specific examples of how the Athenians expressed their religious beliefs and practices, beyond just worshipping deities?
Athenians practiced rituals, like offering sacrifices and libations, celebrating festivals like the Panathenaea and Dionysia, and building temples like the Parthenon dedicated to Athena.
How did the Athenian system of ostracism function, and what were its intended purposes?
Ostracism was a process where citizens could vote to banish a prominent figure from the city for 10 years, intended to prevent tyranny and reduce social tensions.
What was the name of the Athenian assembly where citizens debated and voted on important issues?
The Assembly of the People (Ecclesia).
How did the Athenians ensure that the Council of 500 was representative of the citizenry?
The Council of 500 prepared agendas and proposed laws for the assembly to discuss.
What is the name of the monumental gateway that marked the entrance to the Acropolis, built in the 5th century BC?
In what ways did the evolving social and political landscape of Athens impact the practice of religion and the role of religious institutions over time?
As Athens transitioned from a monarchy to a democracy, religious institutions and practices became more formalized and integrated into civic life. The role of religious institutions, such as priesthoods, shifted, and the emphasis on collective religious practice became more prominent.
What were some of the limitations of Athenian democracy, and how did these limitations affect the political landscape?
Athenian democracy excluded women, slaves, and metics, and it relied on a system of direct democracy, which could be prone to instability and the influence of popular opinion
Describe the specific roles and limitations of women in Athenian society, including their participation in public life and legal status.
Women in Athens had limited roles and legal rights. They were primarily responsible for managing the household and raising children. They were not allowed to participate in public life, such as voting or speaking in the Assembly. Their legal status was also limited, with their rights being primarily held by male family members.
Describe the relationship between Athenian citizenship, direct democracy, and political participation.
Athenian citizenship was a privilege that granted individuals the right to participate directly in government through voting, speaking at the Assembly, and serving on juries. This system of direct democracy ensured that all citizens, not just a select few, could influence the city's policies.
What specific name did the Athenians give to the type of marble used in the construction of the Acropolis monuments, particularly the Parthenon?
Pentelic marble
In what ways did the evolving social and political landscape of Athens impact the practice of religion and the role of religious institutions over time?
As Athens transitioned from a monarchy to a democracy, religious institutions and practices became more formalized and integrated into civic life. The role of religious institutions, such as priesthoods, shifted, and the emphasis on collective religious practice became more prominent.
How did the Athenian system of democracy, with its emphasis on direct participation and deliberation, shape the political culture and debates in Athens, and what are some lasting lessons for modern democratic thought?
Athenian democracy fostered a culture of civic engagement and debate, and its emphasis on direct participation provides a framework for understanding the complexities and potential limitations of modern representative democracy