The Bad Citizen in Classical Athens [Paperback]

Matthew Christ provides a fresh perspective on Athenian democracy by exploring bad citizenship.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.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.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 citys 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 citys responsesinstitutional and ideologicalto 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.Introduction: The other Athenians; 1. The self-interested citizen; 2. The reluctant conscript; 3. The cowardly hoplite; 4. The artful tax dodger.'& this is an excellent book that goes a long way towards creating a realistic portrait of the ancient Athenians.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review'This book is a noteworthy contribution, both substantively and methodologically, to the study of democratic Athens.' POLIS: The Journal for the Society of Greek Political Thought'& the book displays an admirable methodologil§