
The Ancient Athenian Legal System Is Both Excitingly Familiar And Disturbingly Alien To The Modern Reader. It Functions Within A Democracy Which Shares Many Of Our Core Values But Operates In A Disconcertingly Different Way. Trials From Classical Athens Assembles A Number Of Surviving Speeches Written For Trials In Athenian Courts, Dealing With Themes Which Range From Murder And Assault, Through Slander And Sexual Misconduct To Property And Trade Disputes And Minor Actions For Damage. The Texts Illuminate Key Aspects Both Of Athenian Social And Political Life And The Functioning Of The Athenian Legal System. This New And Revised Volume Adds To The Existing Selection Of Key Forensic Speeches With Three New Translations Accompanied By Lucid Explanatory Notes. The Introduction Is Augmented With A Section On Athenian Democracy To Make The Book More Accessible To Those Unfamiliar With The Athenian Political System. To Aid Accessibility Further A New Glossary Is Included As Well As Illustrations For The First Time. Providing A Unique And Guided Introduction To The Athenian Legal System And Explaining How The System Reveals The Values And Social Life Of Classical Athens, Trials From Classical Athens Remains A Fundamental Resource For Students Of Ancient Greek History And Anyone Interested In The Law, Social History And Oratory Of The Ancient Greek World--provided By Publisher.
This volume investigates how the forensic oratory of classical Athens functions as a primary lens for understanding the intersection of democratic legal processes and the social values of the ancient Greek world. Christopher Carey, a scholar of Greek literature and history, utilizes a curated collection of surviving legal speeches to demonstrate the mechanics of Athenian litigation. By presenting these texts alongside explanatory notes and historical context, the book argues that the Athenian legal system serves as a mirror for the city-state's broader political and social identity.
What You Will Find
Experts and students of classical history frequently cite this work as a reliable, accessible entry point into the complexities of ancient Greek legal practice. The inclusion of revised translations and contextual notes makes it a standard resource for those seeking to understand the practical application of law in a democratic society.
Page Count:
288
Publication Date:
2012-01-01
Publisher:
Routledge
ISBN-10:
0203796128
ISBN-13:
9780203796122
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