On our walking tour, I was reminded that Athens, the birthplace of “democracy,” was also served by an enslaved class that made up fifty percent of the population. And only a small minority (free men who owned land) could participate in the democracy.
I also learned how the stunning ruins sitting atop the Acropolis were mostly ruined not by time and weather, but by invasions and war over thousands of years.
Our guide also informed us that the Ancient Greeks instituted a system where citizens could vote to banish one of their compatriots. If enough votes were cast, the person would be ostracized from Greece for ten years.
Looking at the three Americans in the international group, he said, “Should we institute that system again somewhere?”
We’ve come a long way since the birth of democracy in many ways, but then again, the world is still full of countries invading one another, destroying ancient sites (not to mention lives), and reinforcing a hierarchy of who can access which rights.
Surrounded by the beauty of the Greek and Roman ruins, I thought about the current state of our democracy and to what lengths we will go to continue to construct a more just society, or will we yield to the forces that are intent on destroying democracy?
As historian Timothy Snyder wrote in a recent post, “We are not spectators of this unfolding drama. We are actors inside every scenario.”
Click on the first image to open the gallery.
April 5, 2026 @ 07:29
Sobering perspective on democracy ~ I keep trying to be hopeful.
Happy Easter, Tim!
Pam
April 7, 2026 @ 15:08
Me, too.
April 5, 2026 @ 13:26
I often do not feel like I am a participant in this unfolding drama called America!
April 7, 2026 @ 15:08
I understand.
April 5, 2026 @ 17:39
As I read this, Tim, wishing you a Happy Easter from a rainy RI.
April 7, 2026 @ 15:09
Hope you had a nice one. Getting ready for Orthodox Easter here in Greece.
April 5, 2026 @ 18:30
Happy Easter from The Chisholm’s! Fighting the good fight!!
April 7, 2026 @ 15:09
Thanks, Kristin!
April 6, 2026 @ 13:03
Great photograph!
April 7, 2026 @ 15:10
The sites were pretty amazing in person.
April 6, 2026 @ 22:39
Love the ancient architecture
Your family pictures are great
And I really needed that rainbow today!!!!’
April 7, 2026 @ 15:10
Glad it made it to you.