Polis and revolution : Responding to Oligarchy in Classical Athens

by: Shear, J.L.

During the turbulent last years of the fifth century BC, Athens twice suffered the overthrow of democracy and the subsequent establishment of oligarchic regimes. In an in-depth treatment of both political revolutions, Julia Shear examines how the Athenians responded to these events, at the level both of the individual and of the corporate group. Interdisciplinary in approach, this account brings epigraphical and archaeological evidence to bear on a discussion which until now has largely been based on texts. Dr Shear particularly focuses on the recreation of democracy and the city, both ritually and physically, in the aftermath of the coups and demonstrates that, whilst reconciliation after civil strife is difficult and contentious, it is also crucial for rebuilding a united society. Theories of remembering and forgetting are applied and offer a new way of understanding the dynamics in Athens at this time.

The only comprehensive book-length treatment of the two oligarchic revolutions to date
Offers an innovative approach to the study of the revolutions by applying new theories of memory politics
All Greek is translated and technical terms are explained, so the book is accessible to non-specialists

Table of Contents
1. Responding to oligarchy in Athens: an introduction
2. Revolution, oligarchy and the patrios politeia
3. Restoring Athens: democracy and law
4. Reclaiming Athens: the demos and the city
5. Remembering and forgetting: rituals and the demos
6. The Thirty and the law
7. Reconciling the Athenians
8. Recreating democracy: documents and the law
9. The agora and the democratic city
10. Forgetting or remembering: oligarchy, stasis and the demos
11. The strategies of democracy.

Polis and revolution : Responding to Oligarchy in Classical Athens

by: Shear, J.L.

• ISBN-13: 9781108984843 / 978-1-108-98484-3
• ISBN-03: 1108984843 / 1-108-98484-3
• Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2021