Ancient Greece consisted of roughly 1,500 city-states (poleis) each with their own legal and military rules.
Athens was among these city-states.
Back then, Athens was considered to be the premier city-state. Home of the Parthenon which still stands today.
1. The Athenians were the first to use democracy
Ancient Greeks pioneered democracy in their city-state. Democracy derives its name from two Greek words, demos for “people” and kratos for “power”.
Democratic systems of governance allow citizens to elect their leaders by voting. Furthermore, democratic systems empower voters with direct impactful on certain policies and issues.
Ancient Greece had three primary bodies of governance, the ekklesia (an assembly similar to our modern parliaments), boule (an arena for debate and voting) and law courts. Each citizen could participate in these bodies through speaking out or voting at these gatherings.
2. The Athenians were the first to use ostracism
Athenians were the pioneers of ancient Greece to employ ostracism. They employed it against powerful or dangerous citizens who threatened the city of Athens.
They achieved this through holding a secret ballot where voters wrote their names on pieces of broken pottery before throwing it into a large clay jar.
People unable to write their ballots themselves would enlist help from others – this was an innovative practice in ancient Greece which helped equalize privileges across classes of citizens.
Athenians also used it to maintain political oversight. Through various laws that prevented anyone from becoming too powerful or dangerous for the city and an expulsion system that allowed for those not performing their duties as expected to leave quickly.
3. The Athenians were the first to use taxation
Solon introduced several constitutional and judicial reforms in Athens that created more equal distribution of power throughout society. He accomplished this through constitutional changes which removed oligarchy’s grip over governance of Athens to enable more equal distribution of authority among its inhabitants.
Athens had long been dominated by powerful families that held a monopoly over its politics, which caused many poorer citizens of Athens considerable trouble.
Athens was in danger of falling into civil war when its leader, Solon, instituted reforms which later came to be known as democracy.
Athenians were subject to taxation in addition to being charged an eisphora (poll tax) during times of war; this poll tax would then be lifted when peace had been restored.
4. The Athenians were the first to use the word “idiot”
Idiot” derives its meaning from ancient Greek and means someone who does not participate in public affairs.
Athenians took pride in actively engaging in the political process. Citizens had an obligation to contribute their voice through active citizenship in their city-state (polis), which served as its heart.
People who did not participate in this process were considered irrelevant and treated accordingly by their peers, thus prompting Athenians to coin the term “idiot” during ancient Greece’s Golden Age.
5. The Athenians were the first to use the word “salt”
Humans have used salt ever since its discovery millennia ago for various uses. Not only was it an essential food preservative, but religious offerings often contained salt. Furthermore, salt was considered one of the most valued commodities traded during ancient times.
People have long been drawn to the sea and salt. Empires and civilizations have sprung up around salt routes; wars have often been waged over its supply.
Salt was an integral component of ancient Greek life. Used in ceremonies and believed to have supernatural protective powers against evil spirits, salt played an essential role in daily life.
6. The Athenians were the first to use the word “red lipstick”
Ancient Greek women wearing red lipstick were able to assert their social standing while also marketing beauty products.
Cleopatra was well known for her use of red lipstick during her reign of power, so the term red-lipped derives its origin from this practice.
Modern women often wear red lipstick as an expression of glamour and sensuality, making themselves stand out from the crowd and become the focus of attention.
Ancient Athenians used “epilipia” to refer to red lipstick for the first time; this signified the beginning of using makeup to define women’s beauty.
7. The Athenians were the first to use the word “red carpet”
The term “red carpet” first made an appearance in an ancient Greek play written around 458 BCE called Agamemnon, as its protagonist King Agamemnon returns home after fighting in the Trojan War and his wife Clytemnestra has prepared a path with red carpet tiling for him to walk upon returning.
As expected, that decision was not wise: red carpets are for gods only and Agamemnon seemed to think he could stand beside them as powerful beings.
So he was punished by being killed when he returned to his palace; but the term “red carpet” continued in usage and gradually came to represent royalty, heads of state and Hollywood celebrities alike.
8. The Athenians were the first to use the word “salty”
Salt has long been recognized for its transformative powers, but ancient Greeks were particularly fond of using it as both an ingredient and method to preserve foods. They employed it both as an embellishment and preservation measure.
Greek cuisine featured an abundance of fruits, vegetables, cereals and legumes cultivated on farms throughout Greece – such as figs, olives and wine grapes which were especially favored.
Honey was an integral component of their diet, serving both as an ingredient and flavor enhancer in cheese production.
Drinks included water, wine (which had been mixed with water), kykeon beer and honey mead.
9. The Athenians were the first to use the word “olympics”
Athens was among the first places in ancient Greece to coin the term “Olympics.” These sporting competitions pose physical and mental challenges.
These games were held every four years and winners received wreaths and free meals for life as prizes for winning them. Furthermore, these events served to promote Greek culture while honoring their gods.
The word “olympics” derives its name from Latin word “Olimpus,” which translates to sacred place. In Ancient Greece, these games were held as religious events at Olympia – their site being sacred since its name itself means sacred in Greek.
10. The Athenians were the first to use the word “soup”
Soup is a liquid food composed of various components cooked together with water or broth for consumption.
Delicious Chicken Noodle Soup is an enjoyable wintertime meal that’s quick and simple to make, while boasting full of flavor! A classic choice among many families!
Ancient Greece relied heavily on soup as a staple food source, and as an effective means of staying warm during cold weather conditions.
Soup was an integral part of many cultures’ diets for centuries, as its quick preparation allowed for easy consumption by all types of eaters – whether sedentary or travelling cultures, rich or poor people, invalids alike.