Ancient Greece and Rome: Politics and History

Posted on Feb 8, 2025 in History

Political Developments in the Greek World

The Governing Body of the Polis

  • Assembly (Ecclesia in Athens): A gathering of citizens over twenty years of age to decide on all matters affecting the life of the community.
  • Council (The Athenian Boule): Prepared the business for the Assembly and oversaw public finances.
  • Judges: Included generals with extensive military and government functions, and Archons responsible for administration.
  • Courts of Justice

Stages of Political Development

  • The Archaic Stage: The number of citizens was relatively small, limited to those with ample land who could afford military equipment (known as *aristoi*).
  • The Classical Phase: This stage is related to the birth of democracy in Athens, although it was a limited democracy. Another political system was the Spartan polis, featuring two kings (diarchy), a Council of Elders (Gerousia), a citizens’ assembly (Apella), and ephors (guardians of the laws).
  • The Hellenistic Period: In the second half of the fourth century BC, the political system of the polis disappeared after being conquered by the Macedonian kingdom.

Key Terms:

  • Dokimasía: A review to which an Athenian citizen was subjected before holding public office, requiring proof of worship of the gods and that their father and mother were from Athens.
  • Aristocracy: Derives etymologically from the Greek words “*aristos*” (the best) and “*krátos*” (power).

Milestones in the History of Rome

  • The Monarchy (Sixth Century BC): The monarch held vast powers, serving as the military leader, performing religious functions, and interpreting the will of the gods. The mandate was for life but not hereditary. The Senate was a consultative body to the king. The curial assemblies approved laws but could not discuss them. This period saw the distinction between patricians and plebeians.
  • The Republic (Fifth Century BC): In 509 BC, Rome underwent a revolution led by patrician families, ending the monarchy and establishing the republic.
    • The town meeting (elections) elected judges and decided on laws.
    • The Senate, comprising 300 members for life, was the decisive body of the republic.
    • The judges ran the city. Their activity had three basic characteristics: annuity, collegiality, and accountability. They held powers such as *potestas* (the ability to enforce laws) and *imperium* (the power to command troops and impose taxes). Initially, plebeians could not be judges, but later the position of Tribune of the Plebs was created.
  • The Empire (Late First Century BC): This involved the accumulation of power (*potestas* and *imperium*) and the office of Supreme Pontiff in the hands of one person, relying on the loyalty of the troops. The Republic began to decline with Julius Caesar when he became dictator, a time when the army was more loyal to its generals than to the Republic. The empire was consolidated when Octavio took power.

*Cursus Honorum*

Any citizen aspiring to political office in ancient Rome had to follow a specific order:

  1. After completing military service, they started as a quaestor (in charge of finances).
  2. Then, they could become a mayor or a tribune of the plebs (Chief Magistrate).
  3. Next, they could hold the office of praetor (in charge of justice).
  4. Finally, they could take over as consul (a position of great importance).
  5. As consul, they could reach the office of censor, and in times of danger, they could potentially become dictator. However, the latter two were not officially part of the *cursus honorum*.