Diagram representing the Constitution of the Athenians in the IVth century BC |
The Greek phrase "περὶ τὸν δῆμον τὸν Ἀθηναίων" translates to "about the people of Athens." It is a reference to the Athenian democracy, which was a direct democracy in which all citizens had a voice in government. The phrase can also be used more broadly to refer to the city of Athens itself, or to its culture and values.
Athenian democracy was based on the principle of isonomia, or equality before the law. All citizens, regardless of their wealth or social status, had the right to vote, to hold office, and to participate in government. The Athenians also believed in the importance of free speech and debate. They held frequent public assemblies, where citizens could discuss issues of public policy.
Athenian democracy was a success for many years. It helped to make Athens a powerful and prosperous city-state. However, it also had its weaknesses. It could be unstable, and it was vulnerable to the influence of demagogues. The Athenian democracy eventually fell to Sparta in the Peloponnesian War in 404 BC.
Isonomia - Wikipedia
Democracy and the rule of law in classical Athens by E. Harris
Aristote : Constitution d'Athènes (bilingue) trans by B. Haussoullier
Encyclopedia of The Ancient Greek World - Internet Archive
Athenian democracy: John Thorley- Internet Archive
Athenian democracy: Arnold Hugh Martin Jones - Internet Archive
The classical Athenian democracy: David L. Stockton,- Internet Archive
Pericles: the rise and fall of Athenian democracy Hamish Aird - Internet Archive
Nomos and the beginnings of the Athenian democracy: Martin Ostwald - Internet Archive
Areopagus | Athens, Ancient Greece, Lawmaking | Britannica
Boule | Definition, Ancient Greece, & Meaning | Britannica
References
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Constitution of the Athenians (Pseudo-Xenophon) - Wikipedia
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Pseudo-Xenophon (Old Oligarch), Constitution of the Atheneians
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Athenian Constitution - Wikisource
The Dialogues of Plato - Wikisource
Polis
Polis - Wikipedia
Politeia
Politeia - Wikipedia
Ancient Greek Legal System
Fifth-century Athens
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fifth-century_Athens
Archon
Archon - Wikipedia
Eponymous archon - Wikipedia
Polemarch - Wikipedia
Archon basileus - Wikipedia
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archon | ancient Greek magistrate | Britannica
Pericles
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Cimon
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cimon
Encyclopedia of the ancient Greek world Cimon - Internet Archive
Ephialtes
Encyclopedia of the ancient Greek world Ephialtes - Internet Archive
Alcibiades
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcibiades
Encyclopedia of the ancient Greek world Alcibiades - Internet Archive
Alcmaeonidae
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Hippias (tyrant)
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Hipparchus (ruler of Athens)
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Pisistratus
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Cleisthenes
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Draco (lawgiver)
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Encyclopedia of the ancient Greek world Draco - Internet Archive
Solon
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Seisachtheia - Wikipedia
Timocracy - Wikipedia
Aristocracy - Wikipedia
Mob rule (Ochlocracy) - Wikipedia
Areopagus
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Ancient Agora of Athens
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Agora
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Encyclopedia of the ancient Greek world Agora - Internet Archive
Acropolis
Acropolis of Athens - Wikipedia
Acropolis - Wikipedia
Encyclopedia of the ancient Greek world Acropolis Internet Archive
Parthenon
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parthenon
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Υπουργείο Πολιτισμού και Αθλητισμού | Παρθενώνας
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Pnyx
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Basileus
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Encyclopedia of the ancient Greek world Basileus - Internet Archive
Tyrant
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Encyclopedia of the ancient Greek world Tyrant - Internet Archive
Thirty Tyrants - Wikipedia
Encyclopedia of the ancient Greek world Thirty Tyrants - Internet Archive
Critias
Critias - Wikipedia
Encyclopedia of the ancient Greek world Critias - Internet Archive
Prytaneis
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Prytaneion
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Heliaia
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heliast - Wiktionary
Nomothetai
Nomothetai - Oxford Classical Dictionary
Bouleuterion
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bouleuterion
Arete
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Boule (ancient Greece)
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Deme deme | ancient Greek government | Britannica
Deme - Wikipedia Phyle Phyle - Wikipedia Ecclesia (ancient Greece)
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Boulè
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Boulé
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Epistates
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bouletai | ancient Greek government | Britannica
Proedroi
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Areopagus
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Encyclopedia of the ancient Greek world Areopagus - Internet Archive
Strategos
Strategos - Wikipedia
Slavery
Slavery in ancient Greece - Wikipedia
Encyclopedia of the ancient Greek world Slavery - Internet Archive
Encyclopedia of the ancient Greek world Slaves - Internet Archive
Encyclopedia of the ancient Greek world Metic - Internet Archive
Helot
Helots - Wikipedia
Encyclopedia of the ancient Greek world Helot - Internet Archive
Paideia
Audio/Visual
The Truth About Ancient Greek Democracy : Brother Elias - Internet Archive