Greek Word Studies
Advanced Level
Lesson 1 Ekklesia (Notes)
Athenian Democracy
a) Governing body - supreme 'assembly':
Ekklesia of all citizens - open to all male citizens over 18.
Met in amphitheatre in Pnyx which could hold 6000,
Met minimum 40 times a year (4 times a month).
Each citizen had the right to speak.
Majority vote decided issues of war and peace, treaties, finance, legislation, public works, all government activity.
Supreme in all legislative.
b) 'Council of 500'; Boule, chosen by lot; steering committee.
Boule had a president. Changed every meeting no one could be president more than once.
c) Law courts: dykasteria - from dike, justice: 201-501 jurors/ judges who were chosen by lot. There was no distinction between judges and jurors.