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Which of these best describes an archon in ancient Athenian society?
In ancient Athenian society (and in some other Greek city-states) the archon was the chief magistrate. The powers, responsibilities, and authority of archons varied at different times and in different places. Rulers and reformers like Draco, Solon, and Cleisthenes were all archons.
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Most Greek city-states were governed as __________.
Most Greek city-states were governed as an oligarchy. An oligarchy is a system of government in which a small group of wealthy elites control and administer society. Although we tend to associate the ancient Greeks with the invention of democracy, only a few societies were ruled by representative governments, and even those societies were only ruled by democracy for a short period of time. Throughout the majority of Greek history, in the vast majority of places, oligarchies prevailed.
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Which of the following ancient Greek city-states is famous for inventing democracy?
Athens is best known for practicing democracy in the Classic Period, so they would be the best choice. Sparta was ruled by two kings for most of its history, so it would not be a good answer. Macedon was the kingdom that produced Alexander the Great and they were not known for democracy, so that would not be a good choice. Lastly, both Argos and Corinth were Greek city-states, however neither of them were known for democracy, so they would not be good answers either.
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Which of these best reflects who could vote in ancient Athenian society?
In modern times, we remember ancient Athenian society as the birthplace of democracy, and in many ways, this is not an incorrect association. It is worth noting, however, that in Athenian society only free, adult, native, male citizens of the city could vote. This meant that the vast majority of the population remained completely excluded from the political process.
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Cylon is most notable for __________.
Cylon is most notable for leading a failed coup against the Athenian government in the seventh century BCE. This event is particularly notable because it is the first reliable recorded and dated event in Athenian history, and because it demonstrates the nature of Athenian power struggles during the Archaic Era.
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After Alexander's death in 323 BCE, Greece's conquered lands were divided among _______________.
Following the death of Alexander, the lands he conquered were divided among his generals. These nations, now no longer a part of the Greek Empire, eventually settled into 3 main dynasties: the Ptolemies (Egypt), the Seleucids (Syria/Persia), and the Antigonids (Macedonia).
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