Athenian Society and Government in the 5th Century BC

The Classical Era of Athens (5th Century BC)

The 5th century BC constituted the apex of the polis, highlighting the rivalry between Athens and Sparta.

The Polis of Athens

Athens was located in the region of Attica. The city stretched from the Acropolis, where the temples of the gods were situated, down to the base of the hill. The Agora (public square) was the center of urban life. The entire city was surrounded by a wall that connected it to the port of Piraeus.

Athenian Social Organization

Athenian society was based on slavery and was divided into distinct groups:

• Citizens: A very small group consisting of Athenian males over 20 years of age. Although economic differences existed among members, all citizens possessed the same political rights.
• Women: Although considered citizens, they were excluded from political and economic decision-making. They developed activities in the gynaeceum (women's quarters), where children under 6 years old were also educated before they might attend a private school.
• Metics: Foreign residents devoted mainly to commerce. Although they lacked political rights, they could achieve a good economic situation.
• Slaves: They constituted a large number of the population. Slaves were considered property of their masters and were dedicated to productive labor in agriculture, artisanal workshops, and mines, as well as domestic tasks.

Economic Organization

The Athenian economy relied on three main sectors:

1. Agriculture: Cereal production was low. Focus was placed on cultivating olives and vines for export.
2. Craftsmanship: Manufacturing a wide variety of products oriented towards trade.
3. Maritime Trade: Trade between the polis and its colonies was a fundamental activity. They exchanged raw materials (wood, metals) and cereals (wheat) for vines, olives, and manufactured products (textiles, weapons).

Political Organization: Athenian Democracy

Athens employed a democratic political system based on several key institutions:

Ekklesia (Assembly)

Formed by all citizens. It met four times a month to exercise legislative functions, vote on magistrates, and decide on war or peace.

Boule (Council of Five Hundred)

Composed of citizens chosen annually by lot. They were responsible for supervising the magistrates and drafting the laws that the Assembly would vote upon.

Magistrates (Archons)

Chosen by the Assembly from among the citizens to execute its decisions. There were two main classes of magistrates: Strategos (chiefs of the army and navy) and Archons (who presided over the supreme courts and religious rites).

Heliaia (Court of Justice)

Composed of 6,000 citizens chosen annually by lot. Athens also used political ostracism to banish individuals who represented a danger to the polis.