The fifth century BC witnessed not only the emergence of one of the first democracies, but also the Persian and the Peloponnesian Wars. John Thorley provides a

Athens' democracy developed during the sixth and fifth centuries and continued into the fourth; Athens' defeat by Macedon in 322 began a series of alternations

Studies all four branches of the Athenian armed forces to show how they helped make democratic Athens a superpower.

Genesis -- Servants of the city -- Strange slaves -- The democratic order of knowledge -- The mysteries of the Greek state

When does democracy work well, and why? Is democracy the best form of government? These questions are of supreme importance today as the United States seeks to