Government of Athens Flashcards
What was a Archon?
One of nine magistrates elected annually. The archon basileos (King Archon) was symbolically the most powerful and in charge of religion; the Archon Eponymos gave his name to the year; the Polemarch was the lead on military affairs.
What was the Ecclesia?
popular assembly open to all Athenian citizens over 18; opened to all by Solon. Voted on archons, legislation proposed by the Boule, strategoi, war, and peace.
What was the Areopagus?
council of former archons, originally very powerful. Had its power broken by Ephialtes, after which it was limited to a court for hearing murder trials, like in mythology.
What was the Boule?
Athenian popular council revised several times. Under Solon, it was composed of 400 men, 100 from each of the four traditional tribes (phylai). Cleisthenes split Attica into ten tribes, each of which contributed 50 men, for a total of 500, with regions called demes being allotted a number of spots based on population. 50 men led the 500, a group called the prytany, which changed each month. Members of the Boule were chosen by lot annually by the Ecclesia.
What was the Heliaea?
court of Athens, 6,000 members strong so that bribing would be impossible. Jurors were called dicasts.
What were the Strategoi?
Ten generals elected annually
What was the Liturgy?
Athenian tax on the rich: options for payment included money, supplying ships for the navy, sponsoring festivals, etc.
