Democracy and Empire in Athens in George Grote’s 'History of Greece'

Abstract

In his History of Greece, George Grote celebrates the Athenian democracy and considers it an exemplary political regime. Grote despises oligarchy and believes that Athenian popular sovereignty has put an end to factional struggles. In particular, the reform of the courts ensured respect for the law and prevented the strongest and richest from taking power. However, the popular dikasteries were also an effective system for controlling and governing the subjects of the maritime empire. Grote compares the Athenian rule with the British Empire: both are governments of dependencies, in which the subdued states freely manage their internal affairs, but depend on the dominant state in foreign policy. The disputes between Athens and its allies were discussed in the Athenian courts where, according to Grote, the Greeks found fairness and tolerance, and were thus rewarded for the loss of their autonomy.