From the Delian League to Athenian Empire Essay

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The Delian league was initially meant to wage a revolution against the Persians’ intrusion of Greece. However, unknown to other Greek states that had united to form the league, Athens had a different motive (Starr, 1987). Characteristically, numerous factors are behind the Delian league turning into an Athenian Empire. First, the Athenians were accorded “hegemony” (supreme power) by most of the Greek states based on their past victories against their key enemy; the Persians (Starr, 1987). Second, the league’s treasury (Hellenotamiai) was primarily composed of ten Athenian treasurers, giving them an exclusive opportunity to favor Athens (Starr, 1987). Third, to manage the empire, the Athenians utilized settled families’ clumps on the potentially rebellious subjects and garrisons to act as traveling inspectors (episkopoi) (Starr, 1987). The role of the inspectors was to ensure that citizens paid the tributes.

The “state pay for state services” was impactful in cementing the Athenian empire. First, it enhanced the loyalty of allied states and encouraged reverence for Athena’s imperial decrees (Mcgregor, 1993). Second, the tribute provided by each state was used to establish and sustain the naval fleet under the leadership of the Athenians. As a result, more funds were channeled to Athens in support of military initiatives, increasing its defense forces and making the Athenians dominate the Delian league (Mcgregor, 1993). This form of collecting duties from states to support the central government’s activities is still prevalent in the modern-day world. In essence, it works well because it provides adequate resources to run the judiciary, legislature, and executive, which represents the key arms of the government.

On a personal reflection, I would not like to be an Athenian female citizen because ancient Greek society was strictly patrilineal and patriarchal. Unlike the upbringing of Athenian boys, female children were not entitled to formal education in classical Greece (Mcgregor, 1993). Even worse, the role of married Athenian women was to perform household chores and bear children (Starr, 1987). This culture confined women to indoor activities, denying them a chance to participate in public activities.

References

Mcgregor, M. F. (1993). The Athenians and their empire. University of British Columbia Pr.

Starr, C. G. (1987). Athens and its empire. The Classical Journal, 83(2), 114–123. JSTOR. Web.

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