Concetti Chiave
- The agrarian revolution led to economic development that increased the ability to care for children, resulting in higher birth rates.
- Archaeological evidence from Athens and surrounding areas indicates a significant population growth in the 8th century BC, as seen in the increase of burials.
- This demographic change was not isolated to Athens; regions like Argos, Corinth, and Sparta also experienced similar population expansions.
- The population surge prompted the establishment of new social structures across various Greek regions.
- Colonization around 750 BC was a direct response to overpopulation, with cities sending citizens to distant areas due to insufficient resources.
Demographic effects of the agrarian revolution
Economic development determined by the agrarian revolution during the birth of the polis was a remarkable demographic effect: the ability to keep and take care of the children were higher than before and the number of births increased.
The systematic excavations of places desalinated for burials of Athens' citizens and the rest of the attic territory, in fact, showed that the population of this area, remained stable for centuries, in the 8th century BC grew suddenly and significantly: this is shown with no possibility of doubt by comparison with the number of the tombs of previous centuries.
The increase in the number of burials can be found also in other areas, like Argos and Corinth.
And Sparta, in the same period, was extended towards the South and the Laconia Messinia, driven by a population growth similar to that already highlighted for other cities. The growth of the population, therefore, necessitated the creation of new forms of organization of social life, in most regions of Greece.
Colonization as a response to population growth
Another very clear sign of the growing population, finally, is found also in the movement of colonization, which began around 750 BC: during this period, in fact, cities like Corinth, Megara, Chalcis, Eretria and Miletus sent groups of citizens in distant areas of Sicily, southern France, the Black Sea and of Cyrenaica (North Africa).
Evidently, the lands which these populations had were no longer sufficient to feed the population, or to allow a decent standard of living.
Domande da interrogazione
- How did the agrarian revolution impact population growth in ancient Greece?
- What evidence supports the claim of population growth in ancient Greek cities during the 8th century BC?
- How did ancient Greek cities respond to the challenges posed by population growth?
The agrarian revolution during the birth of the polis led to a significant demographic effect, allowing for better care of children and an increase in births. This is evidenced by the sudden and significant growth in population in areas like Athens, Argos, Corinth, and Sparta during the 8th century BC, as shown by the increase in the number of burials.
Systematic excavations of burial sites in Athens and the surrounding Attic territory, as well as in other areas like Argos and Corinth, show a marked increase in the number of tombs compared to previous centuries, indicating a significant population growth during the 8th century BC.
In response to population growth, ancient Greek cities engaged in colonization around 750 BC, sending groups of citizens to distant areas such as Sicily, southern France, the Black Sea, and Cyrenaica. This movement was driven by the insufficiency of local lands to sustain the growing population and maintain a decent standard of living.
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