Origins of Democracy in Ancient Greece: Raaflaub, Ober & Wallace

This wonderful book searches for the critical events that led the Greek world towards democracy while the surrounding regions suffered rule under stern despots and monarchies.

I admired the form of the book, where several historians each made the case for a distinct event to mark the exact dawning of democracy.  Each made their case for different moments, respectfully dissecting their colleagues' analyses while positing their own.

I was less interested in the exact moment democracy began, instead taking in the sequence of events.  Two major developments include the battles against the Persians in Marathon and again in the waters off Salamis.  The first gave rise to the army and its hoplite soldiers, the second to the mass of rowers in the navy.

Both events made heroes of the lower-class masses in the form of soldiers and rowers, respectively.  Given the on-going wars throughout the history of Athens and Greece, it became obvious that these soldiers/rowers/masses needed recognition in order to earn their services.  This came in the form of further enfranchisement in politics, furthering the road towards democracy.

Interestingly each of the major advances towards democracy granted both political power and political responsibilities.  You could voice your opinions, but only if you contributed to the system by fighting, serving on juries, etc.  Political participation was a two way street in ancient Greece.

If there was one moment that put Athens on a completely new trajectory towards democracy, perhaps it was the "Athenian Revolution" of 508 BCE, where the populace rose spontaneously to siege Spartan King Cleomenes after he seized the Athenian acropolis.  The people did not want to be strong-armed by any king, especially one from another city-state.  This represented the first time that the "mass" of citizens across all classes recognized and utilized their collective power.

I hope I find more books of this caliber on ancient history, books that bridge the gap that exists between "general" readers and academicians.