HISTORY 1M03 Lecture : History of Greece and Rome-Jan.16 "The Archaic Age"
Document Summary
Archaic age: rise of the community polis city state. Creation of town squares, public temples, common cemeteries: not centralization and stratification. A society of citizen farmers: independent small holders, coming together in participatory self- government [as society developed, the small farmer retained economic independence] The citizens themselves as the state: citizen assemblies and magistrates no bureaucracy, no police force, no judiciary, Power was no given to a small elite; instead they embarked on a new experiment: a society organized on and around self-government and collective contribution. Citizen assemblies would meet to determine laws, magistrates would rotate among the citizens to judge, and carry out public service. No professional army: citizen soldiers, civic militia, 750 675: panoply; hoplon shield, "corinthian" helmet, corselet, greaves, spear, sword. Close formation tactics (closely associated with the distinct armour) phalanx mass formation, close ranks the hoplite phalanx; most effective tactic. Occurred as a result of political and social organization.