History

Payten

12 August, 15:36

In the direct democracy of Athens, free, native-born male youths were officially enrolled as citizens at age 18. Each young man received a shield and spear and

took this oath of allegiance:

"Never to disgrace his holy arms, never to forsake his comrade in the ranks, but to fight for the holy temples and the common welfare, alone or with others, to

leave his country not in a worse, but in a better state than he found it; to obey the magistrates and the laws, and defend them against attacks; finally to hold in

honor the religion of his country."

Response #1 ... What does this oath reveal about Athenian values?

Response #2. How do you think these values affected life in Athens?