Ancient History Short Answer revision

Concept of the polis

City-state was an independent body

Structure of Athenian society - class divisions

Pentakosiomedimnoi - Highest political/military positions, 500 bushels of grain/wine
Hippeis - often had a horse, 300 bushels of grain/wine
Zeugitae - Made up bulk of hoplites, 200 bushels of grain/wine
Thetes - light armed troops/rowers, <200 bushels of grain/wine

Duties/privileges of citizens

Free from direct taxation
Had a right to own land
Protected by law and could bring prosecutions and serve on juries
Had full political, legal, civic and economic rights

Role of military: strategoi

Strategoi - ten generals elected annually by assembly, one from each deme. Could be re-elected. Paid on active military service. Many assigned to certain tasks (managing heavy infantry, foreign expeditions, captaining triremes, managing the Piraeus etc.)

Role of military: Hippeis

Hippeis - made up cavalry. Selected based on ability to provide and maintain a horse. There was an allowance for animal maintenance/special training. Knights took part in public processions.

Role of military: Hoplites

Heavy armed foot soldiers.

Role of military: Thetes

Poorest citizens, provided light armed troops, archers and rowers in the triremes.

Role and status of women

Status of women determined by class

Priestesses held in most respect, Hetairai had greatest freedom.

No political rights, few legal rights - Could only act through men in legal disputes.

Expected to be silent and keep a low profile.

Social contacts limited - married young to much older men. Ate in their own quarters with children and slaves. Could not leave house without a male chaperone.

Role of metics and slaves: Metics

Foreigners working and living permanently in Athens.
Could not own property
Had no political rights, few legal ones.
Paid a special tax (metoikion) - 12 drachmas per year for adult males, 6 for females.
Performed military service in either navy or army.
Central to productivity of Athens, largely consisted of the Athenian workplace.