The Pnyx, Prompt for Thoughts on Democracy

As I hurried through bustling Plaka with my Athenian Democracy class, trying to keep up with our Professor, Nigel Kennel, I was hit with sounds of tourists preparing for lunch, museum goers marveling at the glass floor of the Acropolis Museum, and street musicians belting out atmospheric tunes. Upon finally reaching our destination, the Pnyx Hill, I was shocked to find that we were the only ones there and the only noise to be heard was that of our own voices. I believe it is the first place I have been in Athens where it is possible to escape from the activity of the city. I am a lover of city hustle and bustle, but it's always somewhat magical to find that one place where it's possible to be in, but disappear from, the city at the same time. I could see why the Pnyx, situated just behind the Acropolis, was the hill on which the Athenian Assembly met. It is a great place to gain some distance from Athens, but the Pnyx also offers a bird's eye view of the city. Here, reflecting on the city from a quiet distance, I thought about some of the unique aspects of ancient Athenian democracy.

The ancient democracy was based on active citizenship. All male citizens were a part of the assembly, which discussed every issue facing the citizenry from threats of war to public festivals. The assembly's agenda was fixed by the boulé, a council of 500 citizens with 50 men representing each tribe. These men held their position for a year and were chosen by lot. In fact, the majority of government positions were chosen by lot. Only positions, like that of general, that required some expertise were elected. The lots system is the only way to maintain a true democracy because it allows all citizens to be genuinely equal. The more powerful a position was, the shorter the time it was allowed to be held. This served to prevent corruption and the natural tendency toward power hunger. Ostracism was yet another way to prevent tyranny. Citizens could vote to ostracize (for a ten year period) one person, usually someone who seemed to be gaining too much power, per year. These features allowed the Athenian democracy to flourish.

I often wonder if the groups rebelling as a part of the Arab Spring will create their own democracies, adopting mechanisms like those of ancient democracy. Even at home, with the Occupy Wall St./Boston protests, there is the possibility for adjustments to democracy. It will be interesting to see what happens, but for now I know where to go when I want to meditate on democracy. The Pnyx offers a great refuge to ponder perspectives on the past and the present.