BMET 22A34 - Democracy in Antiquity and modern legacies of Athens and Rome

We consider Athens as the cradle of democracy and the study of its institutions, from an historical perspective, is a key to understanding many modern political concepts. Do we really know the reality of Athenian citizenship (rights and duties) or do we still have clichés about Greek legacy? We will study the shaping of Greek institutions from myths and legendary legislators such as Solon or Lycurgus to historical reformers such as Clisthenes, to prominent rulers such as Pericles. The aim is to compare an ideal government described by Aristotle or Plato to reality and daily practice at the Ecclesia. Studying ancient sources (historical records, speeches and theatre plays) and archeological artefacts, we will describe and compare political regimes in cities such as Athens and Sparta. The importance of slavery, the place of women, the importance of public debating, of civic religion, of warfare in Greece and of justice in Athens will also be issues to address. Finally, we will concentrate on historical case studies, especially on an episode taking place during the Peloponnesian War to see how thriving democracy in Athens was based on thalassocracy, on the oppression of allies, leading to the end of the Delos League and the inevitability of a war with Sparta. The conclusion will deal with the transition to the hellenistic period along with the decline of the city state model in the coming Age of Kings. The second part of the workshop will focus on the roman res publica. We will start with Virgil and Livy to understand what is myth and what is history. Studying texts on the Foundation of Rome, on Romulus and the kings' rule will help us understand why the Romans were so attached to the Republic after 509 BCE. Classes will also focus on the building of a political system in which plebeians have to fight to gain equal rights as the patricians. What is a civis romanus ? a soldier, a citizen. We will concentrate on sources from historians, philosophers and politicians (Tacitus, Sallust, Cicero) to follow the decline of the regime and the origins of the civil wars. A class will be dedicated to the Gracchi brothers. We will eventually analyse the competition between military men to seize power (Cesar, Pompeius, Octavius and Mark Antony) and conclude with the Principate and the constitution of a political system fitting the administration of an Empire. The roman Empire is an endless source of inspiration. Our last class will focus on the image of Rome through arts, movies and video games. Conquest, Panem et circenses ?… and so much more.

Sophie ROCHEFORT GUILLOUET

Atelier

English

Spring 2024-2025

The class grade will be divided into two parts: 50% for an oral presentation and 50% a final exam (2H) in class. + participation

Document analysis. Oral presentations A debate performance ? (Melian dialogue by Thucydides)