Athenian Government
In 510BC a new form of government was introduced in Athens. It was called Demokratia which meant "rule by the people." Can you guess which word we use today to describe a similar type of government?... That's right! Democracy.
Any man with full citizen rights could speak and vote freely at assemblies concerning governing issues or other concerns in Athens. The city was run based on decisions that took place during this time.
Athens used "trial by jury" as a court system. Juries were much larger than today and included several hundred members and common citizens of the city. After listening to the trial, people voted by placing metal discs into one of two jars (guilty or non-guilty). Punishments were decided by the court, and included the death penalty!
