The Bad Citizen in Classical Athens

ISBN-13: 9780521864329 / Angielski / Twarda / 2006 / 262 str.

Matthew Christ

Opis

This book provides a fresh perspective on Athenian democracy by exploring bad citizenship, both as a reality and an idea, in classical Athens, from the late sixth century down to 322. If called upon, Athenian citizens were expected to support their city through military service and financial outlay. These obligations were fundamental to Athenian understandings of citizenship and it was essential to the city s well-being that citizens fulfill them. The ancient sources, however, are full of allegations that individuals have avoided these duties or performed them deficiently. Claims of draft evasion, cowardice on the battlefield, and avoidance of liturgies and the war tax are common. By examining the nature and scope of bad citizenship in Athens and the city s responses institutional and ideological to the phenomenon, this study aims to illuminate the relationship between citizen and city under the Athenian democracy, and more broadly, the tension between private interests and public authority in human societies."

Recenzje

'… The Bad Citizen in Classical Athens is a worthwhile introduction for anyone interested in ancient legislation, taxation and the clashes between ideals and reality in the upper echelons of society.' Arctos

Spis treści

Introduction: The other Athenians; 1. The self-interested citizen; 2. The reluctant conscript; 3. The cowardly hoplite; 4. The artful tax dodger.