Athens Greek Civilization Takes a

Athens Greek civilization takes a particular place in the history of the ancient world, as it set the foundation for the development of western civilization in future, influencing its culture, mentality and outlook. Unlike other early civilizations of the Ancient world, Greeks experienced a lot of dynamic changes and were in constant social development. There are lots of reasons, which can explain it.

Poor soils of the most part of Greece, its rocky and mountainous relief did not allow development of agriculture, so Greeks always experienced lack of food, especially grains. These lands were favorable only for cultivation of olives and wine yards, so Greeks depended upon food imports vitally. Such conditions stimulated development of navigation and establishment of trade relations with other states in Mediterranean and cost of the Black sea, so that most of these territories were colonized by Greeks by the beginning of the 5th century BC.

It makes Greeks different from other known civilizations such as Babylon, Egypt, India or China, which developed due to favorable agricultural conditions. A special place in Greek civilization was given to the city of Athens, which soon turned into a leading polis. Athens had favorable geographical position and had proximity to the most important trading routes. But city was mainly developing because of wise politics promoted by its leaders.

Since 8-7th BC, political rule in Greek cities was gradually changing as Aristocratic elite was often replaced by charismatic figures, who had wide support among population and who were skillful in political manipulations. Such rulers were called "Tyrants," but nevertheless first Greek Tyrants had little in common with traditional meaning of "tyranny." By the end of the 7th century BC it became common for Greeks to enslave debtors, who were unable to pay debts.

Mortgaged lands were marked by special debt-stones, named pillars and debtors had to pay 1/6 of their harvest or income to the creditor. The success of Athens can be explained by the fact that it was the first city to abolish practice of enslaving for debts. It raised city's prestige and authority in the region and in many respects stimulated economical and political stability. Since 6th century BC most of Athenian tyrants were making shifts towards democratic rule, balancing interests of elite and poor.

The most important reforms in government were made by Solon, who was elected in 594 BC. Solon's reforms were directed on the consolidation of alienated Athenian society: he abolished pillar practices, proclaiming that all Greeks are free citizens. Solon liberalized political structure of Athens, expanding influence of ecclesia, giving it the right to participate in elections of archons. He reformed membership of Areopagus, which was no longer based on aristocratic heritage, but on personal merits and wealth. Such reforms played a key role in future development of Athens,.