The Athenian Citizen (Agora Picture Book 4)

Agora Picture Books

by Mabel Lang, John M. Camp

The Agora was the civic center of Classical Athens and, through studying materials found there, much can be learnt about the origins of the world's first and possibly most representative democracy. The author discusses many aspects of administration, from the standardization of weights and measures (represented by the standard mold for tiles in the center of the Agora) to the ingenious workings of the Klepsydra, the water clock which regulated a public speaker's time. Many of the buildings and devices she discusses are still on display on site and in the museum. This new edition is updated and revised with new color plates. 32 pp (Excavations of the Athenian Agora, Picture Book 4, ASCSA, 1987, new ed. 2004)

Genres: History, Nonfiction

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Saba · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brief, interesting, and easy to follow introduction to democracy in Athens, Greece.

Most interesting facts:
- Agora (Center of public activity) buildings: the Council House (Bouleuterion), magistrates’ headquarters, archives, mint, lawcourts, and civic offices. Boundary stones used
- People who didn't attend meetings were fined
- Magistrates accused of mismanaging funds were tried in court
- The sales tax was made clear after the price of products
- Copies of drafted bills were posted publicly
- Time was measured by a klepsydra (water clock) in court
- Coins were called “owls” (which is the most adorable thing)

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's an okay crash course but other than that, not terribly useful.

[Scott Zuke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and informative. If you need to cram on the Agora, this would work.