DEMOCRACY: The Birth of an Idea 2,500 Years Ago

The National Bank of Greece Cultural Foundation (MIET) and its Educational Programmes Department invite secondary school students on a journey to Classical Athens, where the first democratic principles were shaped and the foundations for citizens’ participation in public life were established.

Through historical sources, Pericles’ Funeral Oration, Otanes’ speech, and the ideas of both ancient and modern thinkers, the programme explores the timeless values of equality before the law, freedom, equality, and active citizenship. Participants will also engage in a discussion with museologist and museum educator Sofia E. Peloponnisiou, respond to critical thinking questions, and take part in interactive activities related to the programme’s theme.

Participation is free of charge and is open to secondary schools (lower and upper secondary education) across Greece, with priority given to schools located on islands and in remote mainland areas, as well as to schools of the Greek diaspora abroad. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to confirmation that the eligibility criteria have been met.

Interested teachers are invited to complete the participation form here.

Curriculum links

The programme supports the following subjects of the Greek National Curriculum:

History

• 1st Grade of Gymnasium (Lower Secondary School):
  • Chapter D (Unit 4: Athens: From Monarchy to Aristocracy; Unit 5: Athens: The Road to Democracy)
  • Chapter E (Unit 2: The Democratic Constitution is Consolidated – Pericles and the Democratic Constitution; Unit 3: How Democracy Worked: Institutions and Civic Functions)
• 1st Grade of Lyceum (Upper Secondary School):
  • Unit 2 (Chapter 2: The Archaic Period; Chapter 3: The Ancient Greeks – Ancient Greece in the Classical Period)

Thucydides – Pericles’ Funeral Oration

• 2nd Grade of Lyceum (Upper Secondary School)

Skills Workshops

• Gymnasium (Lower Secondary School):
  I Care and Take Action – Social Awareness and Responsibility

Note: The program is offered per class of a maximum of 30 students