Athens Transformed, 404-262 BC

From Popular Sovereignty to the Dominion of Wealth

Nonfiction, History, Greece, Ancient History
Cover of the book Athens Transformed, 404-262 BC by Phillip Harding, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Phillip Harding ISBN: 9781317435440
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: April 24, 2015
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Phillip Harding
ISBN: 9781317435440
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: April 24, 2015
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

During the heady, democratic days of the fifth and fourth centuries, the poorer members of Athenian society, the lower two classes of zeugitai and thetes, enjoyed an unprecedented dominance in both domestic and foreign politics. At home, the participatory nature of the constitution required their presence not only in the lawcourts and assembly, but also in most of the minor magistracies; abroad, they were the driving force of the navy, which ensured Athens’ control of the Aegean and the Black seas. Their participation at all levels was made possible by state pay (for jury duty, attendance in the assembly, public office and military service). In the fifth century state pay was financed largely through the tribute paid by members of the empire, supplemented by the liturgical contributions of the rich and, beginning during the war, a property tax (the eisphora). In the fourth century, almost the whole burden was shouldered by taxation upon the wealthy, especially those who owned property.

In this book, author Phillip Harding traces the major changes that occurred in the administration of the state that eventually deprived the lower classes of their supremacy and transferred power into the hands of the wealthy land-owners. Things changed radically after Athens’ defeat in the Lamian (or Hellenic) War in 322BC. Over the next several decades, restriction of the franchise, elimination of pay for some public offices, the loss of the navy, the increased dependence upon local grain from the larger estates in Attika, the removal of the tax burden from the rich by the ending of such major liturgies as the trierarchia and the choregia and the abandoning of the eisphora all contributed to this transformation.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

During the heady, democratic days of the fifth and fourth centuries, the poorer members of Athenian society, the lower two classes of zeugitai and thetes, enjoyed an unprecedented dominance in both domestic and foreign politics. At home, the participatory nature of the constitution required their presence not only in the lawcourts and assembly, but also in most of the minor magistracies; abroad, they were the driving force of the navy, which ensured Athens’ control of the Aegean and the Black seas. Their participation at all levels was made possible by state pay (for jury duty, attendance in the assembly, public office and military service). In the fifth century state pay was financed largely through the tribute paid by members of the empire, supplemented by the liturgical contributions of the rich and, beginning during the war, a property tax (the eisphora). In the fourth century, almost the whole burden was shouldered by taxation upon the wealthy, especially those who owned property.

In this book, author Phillip Harding traces the major changes that occurred in the administration of the state that eventually deprived the lower classes of their supremacy and transferred power into the hands of the wealthy land-owners. Things changed radically after Athens’ defeat in the Lamian (or Hellenic) War in 322BC. Over the next several decades, restriction of the franchise, elimination of pay for some public offices, the loss of the navy, the increased dependence upon local grain from the larger estates in Attika, the removal of the tax burden from the rich by the ending of such major liturgies as the trierarchia and the choregia and the abandoning of the eisphora all contributed to this transformation.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book Politics in Scotland by Phillip Harding
Cover of the book Preventing Aids by Phillip Harding
Cover of the book New American Destinies by Phillip Harding
Cover of the book The Tenth Muse by Phillip Harding
Cover of the book Allied and Axis Signals Intelligence in World War II by Phillip Harding
Cover of the book The Production Sites of Architecture by Phillip Harding
Cover of the book Animal Welfare by Phillip Harding
Cover of the book Your First Year by Phillip Harding
Cover of the book Reversal Theory by Phillip Harding
Cover of the book Encyclopedia of the Novel by Phillip Harding
Cover of the book Yuri Lyubimov: Thirty Years at the Taganka Theatre by Phillip Harding
Cover of the book Religion and Science in Context by Phillip Harding
Cover of the book Anthropology in the City by Phillip Harding
Cover of the book Exploring Positive Relationships at Work by Phillip Harding
Cover of the book Journalism and Climate Crisis by Phillip Harding
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy