The Evolution of the Polis January 23 rd, 2012. General Remarks Understanding the polis key to...

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The Evolution of The Evolution of the Polis the Polis January 23 January 23 rd rd , 2012 , 2012

Transcript of The Evolution of the Polis January 23 rd, 2012. General Remarks Understanding the polis key to...

Page 1: The Evolution of the Polis January 23 rd, 2012. General Remarks Understanding the polis key to understanding ancient Greece. Understanding the polis key.

The Evolution of the The Evolution of the PolisPolis

January 23January 23rdrd, 2012, 2012

Page 2: The Evolution of the Polis January 23 rd, 2012. General Remarks Understanding the polis key to understanding ancient Greece. Understanding the polis key.

General RemarksGeneral Remarks Understanding the Understanding the polispolis key to understanding key to understanding

ancient Greece.ancient Greece.

Polis and politics frequently regarded as a uniquely Polis and politics frequently regarded as a uniquely “Greek” inventions.“Greek” inventions.

Near Eastern antecedents to the polis model.Near Eastern antecedents to the polis model.

Political and institutional features of the polis Political and institutional features of the polis attested in the Homeric world (i.e. ca. 750 BCE or attested in the Homeric world (i.e. ca. 750 BCE or earlier).earlier).

Not the only form of political organization in Greece Not the only form of political organization in Greece (i.e. (i.e. EthnosEthnos such as such as AetoliaAetolia).).

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How would you define the polis How would you define the polis and why is it important for and why is it important for historians to understand it?historians to understand it?

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Definition and Components of a Definition and Components of a PolisPolis

Polis = the city-state.Polis = the city-state.

Most basic unit of political sovereignty.Most basic unit of political sovereignty.

Comprises several components: 1. Comprises several components: 1. AstuAstu (City). 2. (City). 2. ChoraChora (Agricultural land and (Agricultural land and hinterland). 3. hinterland). 3. KomaiKomai (Villages). (Villages).

The ideal of The ideal of autarchiaautarchia (i.e. autarky). (i.e. autarky).

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Map of AtticaMap of Attica

www.utexas.edu/.../greek606q/gk606qimages2.htm

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The AstuThe Astu AstuAstu = the City. = the City.

Political center of the polis.Political center of the polis. Economic center of the polis.Economic center of the polis. Cultic center of the polis.Cultic center of the polis. Center of justice.Center of justice.

Key structures of an Astu: 1. Key structures of an Astu: 1. AcropolisAcropolis (Fortified (Fortified hill). 2. hill). 2. AgoraAgora (Public square and market). 3. (Public square and market). 3. TemplesTemples. 4. . 4. BoulterionBoulterion (Council place). (Council place).

AstuAstu the driving force behind the polis (i.e. Athens the driving force behind the polis (i.e. Athens the driving force behind the unification of Attica).the driving force behind the unification of Attica).

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The Ancient and Modern The Ancient and Modern Significance of the PolisSignificance of the Polis

Definitive aspect of Greek political life.Definitive aspect of Greek political life.

The polis believed to be co-extensive with The polis believed to be co-extensive with civilization itself.civilization itself.

The origins of “politics.”The origins of “politics.”

Ancient polis institutions and political thought the Ancient polis institutions and political thought the forerunner of modern Western political forerunner of modern Western political institutions and theory.institutions and theory.

Polis more than just a physical space; a set of Polis more than just a physical space; a set of institutions and precepts.institutions and precepts.

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Aristotle (384-322 BCE) on the PolisAristotle (384-322 BCE) on the PolisPoliticsPolitics 1.1.2 1.1.2 (D.D. Nagle & S.M. Burstein 2006)(D.D. Nagle & S.M. Burstein 2006)

Foundation of civilized life: “Hence it is evident Foundation of civilized life: “Hence it is evident that the state is a creation of nature, and that that the state is a creation of nature, and that man is by nature a political animal. And he who man is by nature a political animal. And he who by nature and not by mere accident is without a by nature and not by mere accident is without a state, is either above humanity or below it…”state, is either above humanity or below it…”

The polis exists to facilitate not merely survival, The polis exists to facilitate not merely survival, but “the good life”: “When several villages are but “the good life”: “When several villages are united into a single community, perfect and large united into a single community, perfect and large enough to be nearly or quite self-sufficing, the enough to be nearly or quite self-sufficing, the state comes into existence, originating in the state comes into existence, originating in the bare needs of life, and continuing in existence for bare needs of life, and continuing in existence for the sake of the good life.”the sake of the good life.”

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The Polis as Civilization in The Polis as Civilization in Homer:Homer:

The CyclopesThe Cyclopes ““Neither assemblies for council have Neither assemblies for council have

they, nor appointed laws, but they they, nor appointed laws, but they dwell on the peaks of lofty mountains dwell on the peaks of lofty mountains in hollow caves, and each one is in hollow caves, and each one is lawgiver to his children and his lawgiver to his children and his wives, and they reckon nothing one wives, and they reckon nothing one of another.” of another.”

(Homer, (Homer, OdysseyOdyssey 9.105-116. Trans. A.T. Murray, 1919). 9.105-116. Trans. A.T. Murray, 1919).

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How was Greece politically How was Greece politically organized before the polis?organized before the polis?

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Political Life in Pre-Polis Political Life in Pre-Polis GreeceGreece

WanaxWanax (Mycenaean) or (Mycenaean) or BasileusBasileus (Dark Ages) rules from a central (Dark Ages) rules from a central place (i.e. Mycenaean palace, Dark Age oikos).place (i.e. Mycenaean palace, Dark Age oikos).

Dominates agricultural land worked by slaves and peasants.Dominates agricultural land worked by slaves and peasants. Supported by other wealthy elites who dominate agricultural Supported by other wealthy elites who dominate agricultural

land worked by slaves and/or peasants.land worked by slaves and/or peasants. Dark Ages - Free persons belonged to a Dark Ages - Free persons belonged to a genosgenos (clan), each clan (clan), each clan

belonged to a belonged to a phylosphylos (tribe), and each tribe belonged to a (tribe), and each tribe belonged to a phratryphratry (brotherhood)(brotherhood)

Reciprocity/redistribution economy.Reciprocity/redistribution economy. AgathoiAgathoi rule arbitary; based on wealth and ability to wage war. rule arbitary; based on wealth and ability to wage war. Common ties between Common ties between agathoiagathoi based on kinship and based on kinship and xeniaxenia.. Rule of Rule of agathoiagathoi over the over the kakoikakoi (or (or laoslaos – “people”) limited by – “people”) limited by

nomosnomos (i.e. custom). (i.e. custom). Urbanization develops around palaces or aristocratic Urbanization develops around palaces or aristocratic oikoioikoi and and

cult centers.cult centers. Tension between Tension between agathoiagathoi and nouveau riche and nouveau riche kakoikakoi.. Tension between rich Tension between rich agathoiagathoi and other and other agathoiagathoi..

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How did the polis evolve?How did the polis evolve?

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The Evolution of the PolisThe Evolution of the Polis Complex process; different processes in different Complex process; different processes in different

parts of Greece; several things going on parts of Greece; several things going on simultaneously.simultaneously.

SynoikismosSynoikismos (i.e. a merging of several communities); (i.e. a merging of several communities); Sparta.Sparta.

Unification of a region by a single dominant Unification of a region by a single dominant astuastu; ; Athens.Athens.

Greek historiography typically mythologizes polis Greek historiography typically mythologizes polis origins and origins and synoikismossynoikismos..

Process of Process of synoikismossynoikismos supported archaeologically. supported archaeologically.

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The Polis in HomerThe Polis in Homer

““The Phaiakians had previously lived in The Phaiakians had previously lived in the broad lands of Hypereie near the the broad lands of Hypereie near the Kyklopes, aggressive types who ravaged Kyklopes, aggressive types who ravaged their land and were stronger than they. their land and were stronger than they. So godlike Nausithoos took them away So godlike Nausithoos took them away from there and settled in Scherie, far from there and settled in Scherie, far from the bustle of men. from the bustle of men. And he built a And he built a wall around the polis and constructed wall around the polis and constructed houses and erected temples of the gods houses and erected temples of the gods and divided up the landand divided up the land.” (Homer, .” (Homer, OdysseyOdyssey 6.4-10). 6.4-10).

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Aristotle on the Natural Evolution of the PolisAristotle on the Natural Evolution of the Polis

“…“….Anyway, the natural unit established to meet all .Anyway, the natural unit established to meet all man’s daily needs is thus oikos….Then, when a number man’s daily needs is thus oikos….Then, when a number of oikiai are first united for the satisfaction of something of oikiai are first united for the satisfaction of something more than day to day needs, the result is the village more than day to day needs, the result is the village (kome). It would seem most natural to think of the (kome). It would seem most natural to think of the village as an village as an apoikiaapoikia (i.e. a colony) of an (i.e. a colony) of an oikiaoikia, made up , made up of people whom some call fellow-nurslings, that is sons of people whom some call fellow-nurslings, that is sons and sons’ sons…..Finally the ultimate partnership, made and sons’ sons…..Finally the ultimate partnership, made up of numbers of villages and having already obtained up of numbers of villages and having already obtained the height, one might say, of self-sufficiency (i.e. the height, one might say, of self-sufficiency (i.e. autarchiaautarchia) – this is the polis. It has come into being in ) – this is the polis. It has come into being in order, simply, that life can go on; but now it exists so as order, simply, that life can go on; but now it exists so as to make that life a good life….So from all this it is to make that life a good life….So from all this it is evident that the polis exists by natural processes, and evident that the polis exists by natural processes, and that it is natural for a man to live in a polis.” (Aristotle, that it is natural for a man to live in a polis.” (Aristotle, PoliticsPolitics. 1.1252a 24 – 1253 a7. Crawford and Whitehead, . 1.1252a 24 – 1253 a7. Crawford and Whitehead, Doc. 7)Doc. 7)

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Thucydides on Synoikismos Thucydides on Synoikismos and the Evolution of Athensand the Evolution of Athens

““For in the time of Kekrops and the first kings down to Theseus For in the time of Kekrops and the first kings down to Theseus the people of Attika always lived in (their own) the people of Attika always lived in (their own) poleispoleis, each one , each one with its own administrative buildings and officials; unless there with its own administrative buildings and officials; unless there was some common danger they would not come together in was some common danger they would not come together in council with the king, but each individual council with the king, but each individual polispolis would govern would govern itself in accordance with its own decisions…But then Theseus itself in accordance with its own decisions…But then Theseus came to the throne. An intelligent man as well as a powerful came to the throne. An intelligent man as well as a powerful one, it was he who organized the one, it was he who organized the chorachora on a proper basis, on a proper basis, chiefly by doing away with the multiplicity of poleis and their chiefly by doing away with the multiplicity of poleis and their separate councils and governments; on his scheme there was separate councils and governments; on his scheme there was only one only one polispolis, the present one, and one seat of decision-making , the present one, and one seat of decision-making and administration; thus the and administration; thus the synoikismossynoikismos was total: everyone was total: everyone was free, just as before, to look after his own affairs, but there was free, just as before, to look after his own affairs, but there was now only one place – Athens – which Theseus allowed them was now only one place – Athens – which Theseus allowed them to treat as a polis; so that with everyone joining in the union it to treat as a polis; so that with everyone joining in the union it was a great city indeed that Theseus bequeathed to posterity. was a great city indeed that Theseus bequeathed to posterity. And he inaugurated a celebration of this unification, a festival in And he inaugurated a celebration of this unification, a festival in honor of the goddess which the Athenians still keep, at public honor of the goddess which the Athenians still keep, at public expense, to this very day.” (Thucydides, 2.15. Crawford & expense, to this very day.” (Thucydides, 2.15. Crawford & Whitehead, Doc. 8)Whitehead, Doc. 8)

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The Foundation of SpartaThe Foundation of SpartaStrabo, Strabo, GeographyGeography 8.5.4 8.5.4

““According to Ephorus the Herakleidai, Eurysthenes and According to Ephorus the Herakleidai, Eurysthenes and Prokles, took possession of Lakonia, divided it into six Prokles, took possession of Lakonia, divided it into six parts and turned the parts and turned the chorachora into into poleispoleis. One of these . One of these divisions, Amyklai, they picked out as a gift for the man divisions, Amyklai, they picked out as a gift for the man who had betrayed Lakonia to them and who persuaded who had betrayed Lakonia to them and who persuaded its ruler at that time to come to an agreement and its ruler at that time to come to an agreement and emigrate, with the Achaeans to Ionia. Sparta they emigrate, with the Achaeans to Ionia. Sparta they designated as their own, and the royal seat. To the other designated as their own, and the royal seat. To the other places they sent kings, with the authority to take in any places they sent kings, with the authority to take in any strangers (strangers (xenoixenoi) who wished to live with them – this ) who wished to live with them – this because the population was so small. Because of its because the population was so small. Because of its good harbor they made use of Las as a naval station, good harbor they made use of Las as a naval station, while Aigys became a base for operations against their while Aigys became a base for operations against their enemies, since its territory bordered upon those of enemies, since its territory bordered upon those of neighboring peoples. Pharis served as the treasury, neighboring peoples. Pharis served as the treasury, since it afforded security against external attack.” since it afforded security against external attack.” (Crawford & Whitehead, Doc. 44)(Crawford & Whitehead, Doc. 44)

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Motivation for Motivation for SynoikismosSynoikismos Defense considerations.Defense considerations.

Economic considerations (i.e. a common Economic considerations (i.e. a common market centered on a primary market centered on a primary astuastu).).

Judicial considerations Judicial considerations (centralized/standardize body of law and (centralized/standardize body of law and courts).courts).

Religious considerations (Religious considerations (AstuAstu the focal the focal point of significant cult activities).point of significant cult activities).

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Function of the PolisFunction of the Polis

To govern its citizens.To govern its citizens.

Security.Security.

Organize cult activities.Organize cult activities.

Provide justice for citizens.Provide justice for citizens.

Welfare of the citizens.Welfare of the citizens.

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How were most How were most poleispoleis typically typically organized politically?organized politically?

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Organization of the Typical Organization of the Typical PolisPolis

PoliteiaPoliteia (i.e. Constitution). (i.e. Constitution).

Magistrates (vary from polis to polis); judicial and Magistrates (vary from polis to polis); judicial and military functions.military functions.

BouleBoule (i.e. legislative council); generally the most (i.e. legislative council); generally the most significant body.significant body.

Magistracies and Magistracies and BouleBoule seats most often limited seats most often limited to to agathoiagathoi or the propertied classes. or the propertied classes.

EkklesiaEkklesia (i.e. assembly of citizens). (i.e. assembly of citizens).

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The Rudiments of The Rudiments of PoliteiaPoliteia in in HomerHomer

““Soon as early Dawn appeared, the rosy-fingered, up from his bed arose Soon as early Dawn appeared, the rosy-fingered, up from his bed arose the dear son of Odysseus and put on his clothing. About his shoulder he the dear son of Odysseus and put on his clothing. About his shoulder he slung his sharp sword, and beneath his shining feet bound his fair slung his sharp sword, and beneath his shining feet bound his fair sandals, [5] and went forth from his chamber like a god to look upon. sandals, [5] and went forth from his chamber like a god to look upon. Straightway he bade the clear-voiced heralds to summon to the Straightway he bade the clear-voiced heralds to summon to the assembly the long-haired Achaeans. And the heralds made the assembly the long-haired Achaeans. And the heralds made the summons, and the Achaeans assembled full quickly. Now when they summons, and the Achaeans assembled full quickly. Now when they were assembled and met together, [10] Telemachus went his way to the were assembled and met together, [10] Telemachus went his way to the place of assembly, holding in his hand a spear of bronze—not alone, for place of assembly, holding in his hand a spear of bronze—not alone, for along with him two swift hounds followed; and wondrous was the grace along with him two swift hounds followed; and wondrous was the grace that Athena shed upon him, and all the people marvelled at him as he that Athena shed upon him, and all the people marvelled at him as he came. But he sat down in his father's seat, and the elders gave place.” came. But he sat down in his father's seat, and the elders gave place.” (Homer, (Homer, OdysseyOdyssey 2.1-14. Trans. A.T. Murray, 1919). 2.1-14. Trans. A.T. Murray, 1919).

““Now the goddess Dawn went up to high Olympus, to announce the light Now the goddess Dawn went up to high Olympus, to announce the light to Zeus and the other immortals, [50] but Agamemnon bade the clear-to Zeus and the other immortals, [50] but Agamemnon bade the clear-voiced heralds summon to the place of gathering the long-haired voiced heralds summon to the place of gathering the long-haired Achaeans. And they made summons, and the men gathered full quickly. Achaeans. And they made summons, and the men gathered full quickly. But the king first made the council of the great-souled elders to sit down But the king first made the council of the great-souled elders to sit down beside the ship of Nestor, the king Pylos-born. [55] And when he had beside the ship of Nestor, the king Pylos-born. [55] And when he had called them together, he contrived a cunning plan…” called them together, he contrived a cunning plan…” (Homer, (Homer, IliadIliad 2.46-55. 2.46-55. Trans. A.T. Murray, 1924)Trans. A.T. Murray, 1924)

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What do you think were the What do you think were the political implications of the political implications of the

emergence of the polis?emergence of the polis?

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Social and Political Implications Social and Political Implications of the Polisof the Polis

Polis engendered a series of critical Polis engendered a series of critical questions.questions.

Citizenship (Who’s in and who’s out?).Citizenship (Who’s in and who’s out?).

Political participation (Who gets to?).Political participation (Who gets to?).

Justice (What is the law? Who gets to Justice (What is the law? Who gets to make it? How is it exercised?).make it? How is it exercised?).

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CitizenshipCitizenship Determination of citizenship crucial.Determination of citizenship crucial.

DemosDemos = the citizenry. = the citizenry.

Only citizens own land (i.e. Kleros – “lot”).Only citizens own land (i.e. Kleros – “lot”).

Citizens obliged to serve in the military.Citizens obliged to serve in the military.

Only free male citizens can participate in political Only free male citizens can participate in political process.process.

Citizens not always equal (i.e. male vs. female; Citizens not always equal (i.e. male vs. female; rich vs. poor; well-born vs. low-born).rich vs. poor; well-born vs. low-born).

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Political Participation in the Political Participation in the PolisPolis

PoliteiaPoliteia (constitution) frames the rules of political (constitution) frames the rules of political participation and the limitations of political office.participation and the limitations of political office.

Mycenaean and Dark Age governments = Mycenaean and Dark Age governments = chieftainships; government is private and personal; chieftainships; government is private and personal; wanax/basileuswanax/basileus only limited by “nomos” (custom); only limited by “nomos” (custom); elements of elements of politeiapoliteia..

PoliteiaPoliteia: 1. Circumscribes the powers of ruling : 1. Circumscribes the powers of ruling magistrates. 2. Regularizes their terms of office. 3. magistrates. 2. Regularizes their terms of office. 3. Indicates who has the right to participate. 4. Lays down Indicates who has the right to participate. 4. Lays down codes of law.codes of law.

Often ascribed to law-givers. (i.e. Often ascribed to law-givers. (i.e. LycurgusLycurgus at Sparta; at Sparta; DracoDraco and and SolonSolon at Athens); some historical; often at Athens); some historical; often legendary.legendary.

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The Dreros Decree:The Dreros Decree:Crete, ca. 650-600 BCECrete, ca. 650-600 BCE

““May God be kind. The following points May God be kind. The following points were agreed by the polis: when a man has were agreed by the polis: when a man has been been kosmoskosmos, the same man shall not be , the same man shall not be kosmoskosmos for ten years; if he be for ten years; if he be kosmoskosmos, , whatever judgment he give, he shall owe whatever judgment he give, he shall owe double (the penalty which he hands down) double (the penalty which he hands down) and he shall be without rights for as long as and he shall be without rights for as long as he lives and whatever he does as he lives and whatever he does as kosmoskosmos shall be void. The shall be void. The kosmoskosmos and the and the daimioidaimioi and and the twenty of the polisthe twenty of the polis shall swear.” shall swear.” (Meiggs and Lewis no. 2. Crawford & (Meiggs and Lewis no. 2. Crawford & Whitehead, Doc. 37)Whitehead, Doc. 37)

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The Law-Giver ZaleukosThe Law-Giver Zaleukos ““Zaleukos was by origin a Lokrian from Italy, of noble Zaleukos was by origin a Lokrian from Italy, of noble

birth, and widely admired for his upbringing, a birth, and widely admired for his upbringing, a follower of Pythagoras the philosopher….Having thus follower of Pythagoras the philosopher….Having thus at the beginning summoned his fellow at the beginning summoned his fellow politaipolitai to be to be pious and upright, he added the injunction that no pious and upright, he added the injunction that no politespolites was to contract an irreconcilable enmity with was to contract an irreconcilable enmity with anyone, but that they were to contract any enmity on anyone, but that they were to contract any enmity on the assumption that they would be in due course the assumption that they would be in due course reconciled and become friends again; and anyone reconciled and become friends again; and anyone who behaved otherwise should be regarded as his who behaved otherwise should be regarded as his fellow fellow politaipolitai as wild and savage in spirit. And he bade as wild and savage in spirit. And he bade the officials not to be wilful and overbearing, nor to the officials not to be wilful and overbearing, nor to judge cases with reference to enmities or friendships. judge cases with reference to enmities or friendships. And in the details of his set of laws he included many And in the details of his set of laws he included many of his own ideas, which were admirably intelligent.” of his own ideas, which were admirably intelligent.” (Diodorus, 12.20. Crawford & Whitehead, Doc. 40B)(Diodorus, 12.20. Crawford & Whitehead, Doc. 40B)

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Justice in the PolisJustice in the Polis

Justice in Myceanaean and Dark Age Justice in Myceanaean and Dark Age monarchies = prerogative of the monarchies = prerogative of the wanax/basileuswanax/basileus..

Justice in the early polis retains a Justice in the early polis retains a private character; increasingly the private character; increasingly the prerogative of the polis itself.prerogative of the polis itself.

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Public Justice: Public Justice: The Shield of The Shield of AchillesAchilles

““But the folk were gathered in the place of assembly; But the folk were gathered in the place of assembly; for there a strife had arisen, and two men were for there a strife had arisen, and two men were striving about the blood-price of a man slain; the one striving about the blood-price of a man slain; the one avowed that he had paid all, [500] declaring his avowed that he had paid all, [500] declaring his cause to the people, but the other refused to accept cause to the people, but the other refused to accept aught; and each was fain to win the issue on the aught; and each was fain to win the issue on the word of a daysman. Moreover, the folk were cheering word of a daysman. Moreover, the folk were cheering both, shewing favour to this side and to that. And both, shewing favour to this side and to that. And heralds held back the folk, and the elders were heralds held back the folk, and the elders were sitting upon polished stones in the sacred circle, sitting upon polished stones in the sacred circle, [505] holding in their hands the staves of the loud-[505] holding in their hands the staves of the loud-voiced heralds. Therewith then would they spring up voiced heralds. Therewith then would they spring up and give judgment, each in turn. And in the midst lay and give judgment, each in turn. And in the midst lay two talents of gold, to be given to him whoso among two talents of gold, to be given to him whoso among them should utter the most righteous judgment.” them should utter the most righteous judgment.” (Homer, (Homer, IliadIliad 18. 496-508. A.T. Murray, 1924) 18. 496-508. A.T. Murray, 1924)

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Implications of Implications of PoliteiaPoliteia PoliteiaPoliteia evolves gradually through trial and error evolves gradually through trial and error

(i.e. no blueprint).(i.e. no blueprint). Introduces the language of “political rights.”Introduces the language of “political rights.” Who has the right to participate and to what Who has the right to participate and to what

degree?degree? AristocracyAristocracy (only the well-born – “ (only the well-born – “eugeneieugenei”).”). OligarchyOligarchy (Only the wealthy). (Only the wealthy). DemocracyDemocracy (All free male citizens). (All free male citizens). Tendency to rule along class lines (i.e. according to Tendency to rule along class lines (i.e. according to

class interests); often resulted in class interests); often resulted in stasisstasis (i.e. civil (i.e. civil conflict) and Tyranny (i.e. popular dictatorships). conflict) and Tyranny (i.e. popular dictatorships).

Engendered tension between aristocrats and Engendered tension between aristocrats and wealthy non-aristocrats.wealthy non-aristocrats.

Engendered tension between the rich and poor.Engendered tension between the rich and poor.

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The Theory of the Hoplite The Theory of the Hoplite RevolutionRevolution

Common explanation for the emergence of Common explanation for the emergence of politeiapoliteia..

Archaic Period (ca. 750-480 BCE) = Time of Archaic Period (ca. 750-480 BCE) = Time of general economic expansion; rising standard general economic expansion; rising standard of living; changes in the style of warfare.of living; changes in the style of warfare.

Development of middling class.Development of middling class.

The hoplite class and hoplite warfare.The hoplite class and hoplite warfare.

Page 33: The Evolution of the Polis January 23 rd, 2012. General Remarks Understanding the polis key to understanding ancient Greece. Understanding the polis key.

Aristotle on the Rise of the Hoplite Aristotle on the Rise of the Hoplite Class.Class.

““And the first form of government which emerged in And the first form of government which emerged in Greece after kingship was that of the warrior group, Greece after kingship was that of the warrior group, originally a government of cavalrymen; for the crucial originally a government of cavalrymen; for the crucial aspect of warfare was cavalry fighting, since the hoplite aspect of warfare was cavalry fighting, since the hoplite was useless without being in formation and there was was useless without being in formation and there was no knowledge of such things or hoplite drill originally, so no knowledge of such things or hoplite drill originally, so that the strength of an army lay in cavalry. But as poleis that the strength of an army lay in cavalry. But as poleis grew in size and the numbers in them capable of grew in size and the numbers in them capable of bearing arms increased, a larger number of people bearing arms increased, a larger number of people shared in the government. So what we now call shared in the government. So what we now call politeiapoliteia men at an earlier stage called democracies. But early men at an earlier stage called democracies. But early forms of government can readily be regarded as forms of government can readily be regarded as oligarchic or even monarchic; for because of their small oligarchic or even monarchic; for because of their small numbers those of middling status had little power, so numbers those of middling status had little power, so that the lower orders, being few in number and that the lower orders, being few in number and disorganized, more readily accepted the rule of others.” disorganized, more readily accepted the rule of others.” (Aristotle, (Aristotle, PoliticsPolitics. 4.1297b 16-28. Crawford & Whitehead, Doc. 22).. 4.1297b 16-28. Crawford & Whitehead, Doc. 22).

Page 34: The Evolution of the Polis January 23 rd, 2012. General Remarks Understanding the polis key to understanding ancient Greece. Understanding the polis key.

The Bakchiads of Corinth The Bakchiads of Corinth (750 BCE – 658 BCE)(750 BCE – 658 BCE)

750-658 BCE: Aristocratic Corinth ruled by the Bakchiad 750-658 BCE: Aristocratic Corinth ruled by the Bakchiad clan.clan.

Period of economic prosperity (i.e. wide distribution of Period of economic prosperity (i.e. wide distribution of Corinthian Ware; foundation of colonies at Syracuse and Corinthian Ware; foundation of colonies at Syracuse and Corcyra ca. 734 BCE)Corcyra ca. 734 BCE)

Backchiads passed power from hand to hand and from one Backchiads passed power from hand to hand and from one generation to the nextgeneration to the next

Endogamous marriages until the early 7Endogamous marriages until the early 7thth century BCE century BCE

Labda, Aetion, and Kypselos.Labda, Aetion, and Kypselos.

The banishment of Kypselos.The banishment of Kypselos.

Page 35: The Evolution of the Polis January 23 rd, 2012. General Remarks Understanding the polis key to understanding ancient Greece. Understanding the polis key.

The Rise of Kypselids The Rise of Kypselids (657BCE – 585 BCE)(657BCE – 585 BCE)

660 BCE - 660 BCE - KypselosKypselos, with the support of , with the support of PheidonPheidon, , king of king of ArgosArgos, secured his return to Corinth., secured his return to Corinth.

Achieved the chief military post at Corinth – gained Achieved the chief military post at Corinth – gained the trust of the the trust of the hopliteshoplites (citizen soldiers). (citizen soldiers).

Gained support of the Gained support of the demosdemos (people) by (people) by advocating debt relief.advocating debt relief.

657 BCE – 657 BCE – KypselosKypselos stages coup; rules Corinth as stages coup; rules Corinth as Tyrant from 657 BCE to 625 BCE.Tyrant from 657 BCE to 625 BCE.

625 BCE – death of 625 BCE – death of KypselosKypselos; succeeded by his son, ; succeeded by his son, Periander.Periander.

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The Reign of Periander at The Reign of Periander at Corinth Corinth

(625 BCE – 585 BCE)(625 BCE – 585 BCE) PerianderPeriander succeeds his father succeeds his father KypselosKypselos in in

625 BCE625 BCE

Periander’sPeriander’s reign is cruel and highly reign is cruel and highly unpopularunpopular

Overthrown by an oligarchic coup in 585 BCEOverthrown by an oligarchic coup in 585 BCE

Corinth henceforth ruled by an oligarchy of Corinth henceforth ruled by an oligarchy of 80 families80 families

Page 37: The Evolution of the Polis January 23 rd, 2012. General Remarks Understanding the polis key to understanding ancient Greece. Understanding the polis key.

Herodotus to Croesus on Tellus of Herodotus to Croesus on Tellus of Athens:Athens:

The Spirit of the PolisThe Spirit of the Polis ‘‘Solon said, “Tellus was from a prosperous Solon said, “Tellus was from a prosperous

city, and his children were good and noble. city, and his children were good and noble. He saw children born to them all, and all of He saw children born to them all, and all of these survived. His life was prosperous by these survived. His life was prosperous by our standards, and his death was most our standards, and his death was most glorious: when the Athenians were fighting glorious: when the Athenians were fighting their neighbors in Eleusis, he came to help, their neighbors in Eleusis, he came to help, routed the enemy, and died very finely. The routed the enemy, and died very finely. The Athenians buried him at public expense on Athenians buried him at public expense on the spot where he fell and gave him much the spot where he fell and gave him much honor.”’ (Herodotus, honor.”’ (Herodotus, HistoriesHistories, 1.30.4-5) , 1.30.4-5)