By about 600BC, however, a middle class had emerged. Trade had brought them wealth, and military improvements had brought them might – they wanted power to go with it. In some cities, including Corinth, they revolted and ousted the aristocracy in favour of dictators who became known as the tyrants. Elsewhere, more peaceful changes took place, as the aristocracies admitted the middle classes into the ruling council. These became known as oligarchies, or ‘rule by the few’. The most fervent of these oligarchies was Sparta.

The people of Athens had a different idea, however, and in the late 500sBC the first democracy – or ‘rule by the people’ – was created. The ripples of this revolution were felt throughout the ancient world, and still live on today. With no single ruler, a public assembly of male citizens met 40 times a year to vote on state decisions. The agenda was set and decrees carried out by a 500-strong council, chosen by lot to serve one year each.