Transition of Athens to Polis Community

March 3, 2009 Transition of Athens from Polis Community City-state culture was important to Athenians Free and autonomous states that have the right to be free and autonomous Greek Imperialism prior to Persian Wars Prior to Persian Wars, Greeks didn?t exercise any truly imperialistic pursuits Had various leagues, formed alliances with other poleis in case of war/attack, these relationships were based on similar values and interests Smaller communities got protection and didn?t have to participate that often Sparta relied on their allies for hoplites/manpower - one of the main reasons they made alliances After Persian War ? formation of Delian League One of the largest leagues up to that point (very unusual formation at this time) Was interesting that Athenians were stealing features of Persian system Athenians organized differently ? institution of tribute (Persians had done this before also ? allies contribute money) ? established by forward-thinking Athenian politicians (Pericles and others) Needed large central treasury ? collected money from allies Allowed Athenian assembly to have final say in course of action Used money provided by allies to create their own standing army and carry out own personal interests To compare, Sparta couldn?t act in this ? needed their allies to furnish an army/provide ships/carry out actions Spartans requested that Athenians free their allies ? allow them to be autonomous once again Athenians believed their allies were autonomous, Pericles said that if their allies weren?t free then neither were Sparta?s Some Athenians believed that Sparta was right ? allies needed to be released, but Pericles believed letting them go would be more dangerous than keeping them Began forming enclaves overseas This provided Athenians who didn?t have land in Attica the opportunity to have it Allowed these new landowners to become hoplites