Roles of Non-Citizens in Athens Flashcards
What is the term for the legal action taken in Athenian courts?
Dike
A legal term referring to a lawsuit or prosecution.
What is a ‘Graphe’ in Athenian legal context?
A public indictment or charge
Often used for serious offenses.
What does ‘Dikast’ refer to in ancient Athens?
A juror or judge
Individuals who participated in the legal system.
What is an ‘Ostrakon’?
A pottery shard used for voting
Particularly in the practice of ostracism.
Define ‘Quorum’.
The minimum number of members required to conduct business
Essential for decision-making in assemblies.
What is the ‘Pnyx’?
The site of the Athenian assembly
A significant location for democratic deliberation.
What is ‘Rhetoric’?
The art of persuasive speaking or writing
Important in Athenian political and legal discourse.
What does ‘Kerameikos’ refer to?
The potters’ quarter of Athens
Also a significant cemetery and site of public monuments.
Did metics have political rights in Athens?
No, metics had no political rights
They were allowed some legal rights in courts.
What was the monthly tax that metics had to pay?
One drachma for men, half a drachma for women
This was a financial obligation due to their status.
In what aspects of Athenian life did metics participate?
Cultural life and religious festivals
They contributed significantly to the city’s social fabric.
What military role did male metics have?
They were expected to fight for Athens
Wealthier metics served as hoplites.
Estimate the population of metics in Athens during the later fifth century.
Approximately 20,000
Indicative of their significant presence in the city.
Could metics own property in Attica?
No, they could not own property
They were generally involved in crafts and commerce.
What is the title of Xenophon’s work discussing the economic role of metics?
Poroi
Produced around 354 BC, it discusses economic theory.
What is a key argument made by Xenophon regarding metics?
Metics should be given more privileges
Acknowledges their economic contributions.
What did the Old Oligarch say about the role of metics?
They are essential for trades and the fleet
Emphasizes their importance in Athenian society.
Who was Cephalus?
A wealthy arms manufacturer and metic
His house is featured in Plato’s Republic.
Who was Aspasia?
Pericles’ mistress and an influential woman
She faced political slander due to her relationship.
Did slaves in Athens have any political rights?
No, slaves had no political rights
They had some minimal legal rights.
What right did slaves have regarding unfair treatment?
The right to seek refuge at a religious sanctuary
Allowed them to complain about mistreatment.
Was slavery questioned in ancient Athens?
Rarely, if ever, questioned
Socrates noted the prevailing views on slavery.
What labor roles did slaves fulfill in Athens?
Farming, mining, and household duties
Essential for the privileged life of citizens.
What significant structure was built by slaves, metics, and citizens?
The Erechtheion
Illustrates the collaborative labor in Athenian society.
Who were the state-owned slaves in Athens?
Slaves who held important roles in the democratic system
Included the state executioner and police force.
What does the Old Oligarch claim about slaves in Athens?
They are given too much licence
A potentially reactionary perspective.
What does Euripides’ play ‘Hippolytus’ reveal about slaves?
Slaves held important responsibilities in households
Suggests trust between slaves and their masters.
What is a key theme expressed by Thucydides regarding democracy?
Democracy can lead to reckless military decisions
Warns against the capriciousness of majority rule.
What does Aristotle argue about democracy?
The poor will have more power than the rich
Reflects on the nature of democratic governance.
What does Herodotus state about accountability in democracy?
Every ruler is held accountable for their actions
Emphasizes the equality of citizens in governance.
