# Ancient Athens: Democracy, Geography, and Civic Life
> Learn about the origins of Athenian democracy, the geography of the Greek city-states, citizen voting rights, and the practice of ostracism and banishment.

Tags: ancient-greece, athens, democracy, history-education, polis, peloponnesian-war, civics
## The City-State of Athens | Democracy and Life
*   An overview of Athenian civic life and governance.

## Geography & The Polis
*   The rugged terrain of mountains and archipelagos led to the development of independent city-states (Polis).
*   Shared culture existed alongside fierce rivalries, such as the Peloponnesian War in 431 BCE.

## Athenian Democracy
*   Derived from 'Demos' (People) and 'Kratos' (Power).
*   Transitioned from rule by kings to a revolutionary democratic system.
*   The Pnyx served as the meeting place for the Assembly and the speaker's stone.

## Citizens & Voting
*   Democracy was limited to adult males from Athenian families; women, slaves, and immigrants (totaling >80% of the population) were excluded.
*   Practiced direct democracy with citizens gathering at the Pnyx 40 times a year to vote.

## Ostraka & Banishment
*   'Ostraka' (broken pottery shards) were used as ballots to vote for the exile of dangerous individuals.
*   The person with most votes faced a 10-year exile to prevent tyranny.
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