Athens

In class, students turned to Athens to examine how the city faced the same problem of economic inequality but chose different solutions than Sparta. They studied the reforms of Solon, Pisistratus, and Cleisthenes, focusing on how each leader addressed debt, land ownership, and political exclusion through law, economic relief, and expanded participation rather than strict control. Students compared the strengths and limits of these Athenian responses, discussed the risks of extremes such as tyranny or mob rule, and considered what lasting lessons Athens offers about balancing equality, freedom, and stability within a political community.