CLA230H1 Lecture Notes - Athenian Democracy, Rebel-'Rouser, Prytaneis
Document Summary
Limitations on number of times one man holds office. Life terms at first, then 10 years, then 1 year. Originally three (basileus, polemarch, archon), six thesmothetai added later. Assembly, which excluded thetes (poorest people), with little power. Archons drawn from top two classes (pentekosopmedimoi, hippeis), other offices from top three (+ zeugetai) Council of 400: to prepare agenda for assembly. Council of 500 (10 tribes x 50 men chosen by lot) Functions: assembly agenda, foreign affairs, day-to-day business of the city. Met daily, normally approved by the demes, then selected by lot. Couldn"t serve 2 years in a row, max twice in a lifetime. The exclusive committee of the council of 500. >rotation through each of the ten tribes through the year. Chairmen chosen by lot, has to stay on duty for one day and one night (sitting up with all the keys to the city just in case something happened)
