Decrees of Fourth-Century Athens (403/2–322/1 BC) 2 Hardback Volume Set

Complete collection of the literary evidence for fourth-century Athenian decrees, offering perspectives on politics and direct democracy.

Peter Liddel (Author)

9781108612425, Cambridge University Press

Multiple-component retail product, published 5 March 2020

1320 pages, 2 tables
29.8 x 19.5 x 8.5 cm, 2.48 kg

'It is essential reading for anyone interested in Athenian democracy, fourth-century orators, the workings of ancient decrees and epigraphic culture. I recommend it wholeheartedly: Volume I offers a rich and exhaustive source book for anyone working on decrees in fourth-century Athens, while Volume II makes an enjoyable read from beginning to end.' Evelien J. J. Roels, Bryn Mawr Classical Review

Decree-making is a defining aspect of ancient Greek political activity: it was the means by which city-state communities went about deciding to get things done. This two-volume work provides a new view of the decree as an institution within the framework of fourth-century Athenian democratic political activity. Volume 1 consists of a comprehensive account of the literary evidence for decrees of the fourth-century Athenian assembly. Volume 2 analyses how decrees and decree-making, by offering both an authoritative source for the narrative of the history of the Athenian demos and a legitimate route for political self-promotion, came to play an important role in shaping Athenian democratic politics. Peter Liddel assesses ideas about, and the reality of, the dissemination of knowledge of decrees among both Athenians and non-Athenians and explains how they became significant to the wider image and legacy of the Athenians.

Introduction
Inventory A checklist
Checklist by genre type
Inventory A1: 403/2–353/2
Inventory A2: 352/1–322/1
Inventory B checklist
Inventory B1: testimonia that can be identified as probable decrees (DP)
Inventory B2: other possible decrees
Introduction
1. The social capital of the decree
2. Appropriation and aspiration: decrees in the pursuit of political self-interest
3. The dissemination of fourth-century Athenian decrees: local audiences
4. The audiences of decrees beyond Athenian citizens
5. Literary representations of Athenian decrees
Conclusion.

Subject Areas: Political structure & processes [JPH], Comparative politics [JPB], Politics & government [JP], Social issues & processes [JFF], Classical history / classical civilisation [HBLA1], Ancient history: to c 500 CE [HBLA]