During the period of the Athenian Polls (600-431 B.C.), the Athenians were experiencing a time of high political consciousness. The Athenians felt that they were part of something greater than themselves, their polis. The citizens of the Athenian Polls understood that the state was secular, which means the state is created by people not God. Although the government was ruled and influenced by aristocrats, the farmers and peasants felt secure in their polis. Around 600 B.C. a plea was heard

from the citizens of Athens to cancel debts and give land to the poor. The state responded by canceling all land debts, outlawed loans based on humans as collateral, and freed people who had fallen into slavery because of debt. These actions showed that the state's purpose was to serve the Athenian citizens. The citizens also became more involved in the government with the formation of the social classes and the assembly. With a stable government in place and the support of the Athenian citizens, the state was able to concentrate on beautifying Athens, increasing trade, and building a standing army to fight the invading Persians. In the Persian War, the Athenians showed their determination to not lose their polis and way of life. With the defeat of the Persians, the Athenians level of political consciousness was at an all time high. The citizens felt a new loyalty to the polis because the Athenians defeated the most devastating force they had ever encountered. Throughout the period of the Athenian Polls, especially after the Persian War, excellence came through courage, military skill and education. So, of course Athenians new ruler Pericles, a perfect example of courage and military skill, dominated Athenian politics and was loved by the citizens. The Athenian citizens showed their support of the state by joining the army, and carried a great pride about being an Athenian. However, after the Peleponnesian Wars, the great sense of political consciousness

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Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)