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For two centuries classical Athens enjoyed almost uninterrupted democratic government. This was not a parliamentary democracy of the modern sort but a direct democracy in which all citizens were free to participate in the business of government. Throughout this period Athens was a cultural centre of Greece and one of the major Greek powers. This book traces the development and operation of the political systems and explores its underlying principles. Christopher Carey assesses the ancient sources of the history of Athenian democracy an evaluates criticisms of the system, ancient and modern. He also provides a virtual tour of the political cityscape of ancient Athens, describing the main political sites and structures, including the theatre.Aimed at the general reader, as well as students at school and undergraduate level, this second edition is a generously illustrated and concise guide to a political system that continues to capture the modern imagination.
