Did you see the BBC special on Athens and democracy on PBS last night? Catch a repeat.

[Hamlette]

Such amazing insight into democracy, its strengths and pitfalls from the place that "invented" it all. I thought the most interesting part was the stuff about the theater and why tragedy is such an enduring theme in "the arts".

So interesting to think about the very nature of democracy at a time when you can't help but feel ours is threatened.

I only saw the last half of it but it repeats here at 2 tomorrow am and will record it.

[SharkSquid]

1. Athens was a perfect example of why

Direct Democracy does not work. The FF has Athens in mind with an example of what not to do.

[msongs]

2. saw most of it - on average athenians voted for a war every 2 years in the 100 yr golden age

and frequently voted to do what might be considered the "wrong" thing, but the wrong thing was done anyway because it got the most votes. history books whitewash the golden age as some kind of euphoric paradise but it was not so golden for women, children, and slaves.

however, core concepts of social and politic awareness were developed that still influence us today, when we choose to honor them.

Msongs

[muriel_volestrangler]

3. The Bettany Hughes one?

If it was, then, just to give them their due, it was made for the UK station Channel 4, not the BBC:

http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/H/history/c-d/democracy/athens/

It was very good (whether or not it's the same one).