The Classical Athenian Democracy [Paperback]

This critical study, designed for the modern reader, explains what the institutions of the classical Athenian democracy were, how they worked, and on what assumptions they were founded. Incorporating important recent work by historians, epigraphists, and archaeologists, Stockton traces the broad development of the Athenian constitution from the reforms of Solon in the early sixth century to those of Ephialtes in the late 460s B.C., carefully examining the fully-developed democratic system of the post-Ephialtic period. Stockton translates all Greek terms and explains difficult essays making the volume highly accessible to students of ancient and modern history, and to the general reader.

Introduction; Facts and Figures; From Solon to Ephialtes; Local and Central Government; Politics and Politicians; Violent Opposition; Critics and Champions; Bibliography, Index

Aimed both at students of ancient history and at the educated and interested public....Not only succeeds beautifully but even provides both audiences with valuable insights and viewpoints not quite like those available from any other source. --American Historical Review

Lively and readable, full of facts and figures presented with clarity and analyzed with good sense. It can be read with pleasure by undergraduates and the general reader. --Classical Outlook

Lucid, entertaining, instructive, and ever so useful to students of ancient Greek political philosophy or history....This book will be read most profitably after readings in the primary sources of ancient Greek comedy, political philosophy, and history have given rise to questions about political organization, but it can also be read as an introduction to the subject. In sum, this is an excellent handbook....Highly recommended for upper-division undergraduates, graduate students, and general readers. --Choice

A noted historian's authoritative account and mature assessment of an iló£