Political Consciousness in Ancient Greece and Rome essays

Political Consciousness in Ancient Greece and Rome essays In order for societies to have political consciousness they must understand that the state is secular, the states purpose is to serve the people, and that citizens work to benefit the state. Although the level of political consciousness in the ancient period world was overall high, the level fluctuated between different societies. With different societies came different forms of government, different rulers, and different ideas of excellence. All of the differences contributed to the level of political consciousness in ancient societies. The political consciousness in the Athenian Polls, the Hellenistic Kingdoms, and the Roman Principate are perfect examples of societies with different ideas, governments, and political consciousness. During the period of the Athenian Polls (600-431 B.C.), the Athenians were experiencing a time of high political consciousness. The Athenians felt that they were part of something greater than themselves, their polis. The citizens of the Athenian Polls understood that the state was secular, which means the state is created by people not God. Although the government was ruled and influenced by aristocrats, the farmers and peasants felt secure in their polis. Around 600 B.C. a plea was heard from the citizens of Athens to cancel debts and give land to the poor. The state responded by canceling all land debts, outlawed loans based on humans as collateral, and freed people who had fallen into slavery because of debt. These actions showed that the states purpose was to serve the Athenian citizens. The citizens also became more involved in the government with the formation of the social classes and the assembly. With a stable government in place and the support of the Athenian ci tizens, the state was able to concentrate on beautifying Athens, increasing trade, and building a standing army to fight the invading Persians. In the Persian War, the Athenians showed their determination to ...