Democracy reaches its peak in Athens as the city reaches east to Egypt and war at last breaks out with Sparta. The power of Athens’ version of the Supreme Court is partially dissolved and returned to the people in the lower courts. Since we don’t have a lot of information on this court, we look to our own Supreme Court for help. This episode covers approximately 464 BC – 449 BC.
Read MoreThe gloves come off. Themistocles and Aristides face off in the Assembly. Distant scuffles between Athens and Persia flame up into full scale war. The Persian wave crashes on the beaches of Marathon while Athens, with the small town of Plataea, brace to endure it. The world is beginning to be reordered. This episode covers approximately 494 BC – 481 BC.
Read MoreSparta is more than spears, although there are also plenty of spears. We wade through the murky history of Sparta while watching their migration into Greece. As much as we think of Spartans as Greek, they claim their heritage from the north… and from Hercules. This episode covers approximately 1,200 BC – 500 BC. As a side note, I have a cold so this episode sounds partially underwater at times.
Read MoreDemocracy emerges in clear view from the shadows of history but not everybody welcomes it. The various political sides of Athens try to find a governing balance while threats of civil war force reform though rumors, coups, and occasional theatrics worthy of Greek play. This episode covers approximately 594 BC – 500 BC. A lot can happen in 94 years.
Read MoreGreece, as we recognize it, begins where the Dark Age ends. We meet some of the earliest known reformers that drop the first hints of democracy in reaction to the stresses of coming out of the Dark Age. This episode covers approximately 1200 BC – 594 BC.
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