Athenian Democracy

The 5th century BC witnessed not only the emergence of one of the first democracies, but also the Persian and the Peloponnesian Wars. John Thorley provides a concise analysis of the development and operation of Athenian democracy against this background. The fifth century BC witnessed not only the emergence of one of the first democracies, but also the Persian and the Peloponnesian Wars. John Thorley provides a concise analysis of the development and operation of Athenian democracy against this backdrop. Taking into account both primary source material and the work of modern historians, Athenian Democracy examines:* the prelude to democracy* how the democractic system emerged* how this system worked in practice* the efficiency of this system of government* the success of Athenian democracy.Including a useful chronology and blibliography, this second edition has been updated to take into account recent research.