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The Bad Citizen in Classical Athens
Paperback / softback
Main Details
Title |
The Bad Citizen in Classical Athens
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Authors and Contributors |
By (author) Matthew R. Christ
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Physical Properties |
Format:Paperback / softback | Pages:264 | Dimensions(mm): Height 229,Width 152 |
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Category/Genre | European history World history - BCE to c 500 CE |
ISBN/Barcode |
9780521730341
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Classifications | Dewey:323.609385 |
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Audience | Professional & Vocational | |
Illustrations |
Worked examples or Exercises
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Publishing Details |
Publisher |
Cambridge University Press
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Imprint |
Cambridge University Press
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Publication Date |
21 April 2008 |
Publication Country |
United Kingdom
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Description
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 city's 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 city's responses - institutional and ideological - to 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.
Author Biography
Matthew R. Christ is professor of classical studies at Indiana University. He is the author of The Litigious Athenian.
Reviews'... this is an excellent book that goes a long way towards creating a realistic portrait of the ancient Athenians.' BMCR
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