Robinson ch. 3 summary

Popular Politics in Fifth-century Syracuse

Introduction

During the fifth century BC, democracy emerged as a prevalent system of governance across various regions of the Greek world, notably in the city of Syracuse, situated in eastern Sicily. Syracuse was significant due to its size, prosperity, and the depth of available historical sources. Key events of this period include:

  • Overthrow of Tyranny: In the mid-460s BC, the citizens of Syracuse ousted the tyrannical dynasty led by Gelon, which had dominated for nearly twenty years.

  • Democracy's Establishment: Following this coup, ancient sources claim that a democratic government was adopted, enduring for about sixty years.

  • Scholarly Debate: Scholars differ regarding the exact nature of Syracusan democracy, questioning whether it resembled the radical democracy of Athens or was a more moderate system.

Thucydides on Syracuse's Assembly

Context of Thucydides’ Account

Thucydides, a contemporary historian, chronicles a meeting of the Syracusan assembly in 415 BC, just as an Athenian military campaign against Sicily was being launched.

  • Syracuse in Strife: During this assembly, divisions appeared among citizens concerning the potential Athenian threat:
      - Some dismissed the threat of an Athenian invasion.
      - Others downplayed the potential harm from a possible attack.
      - A faction ridiculed the warnings given by Hermocrates, a prominent speaker reporting on the Athenian naval approach.

  • Hermocrates’ Speech:
      - He asserted confidence in Syracuse's fortitude, stating:
        >”That the Athenians are coming to attack us, and are already upon the voyage, and all but here - this is what I am sure of.”

  • Athenagoras' Counterargument:
      - Dismissing Alarm: Athenagoras countered,
        >“For the Athenians, who does not wish that they may be as misguided as they are supposed to be… These reports do not arise of themselves, but are concocted by men who are always causing agitation here in Sicily.”
      - Unity for Stability: He emphasized the need for unity among Syracusans to prevent discord and to maintain their liberty.

Aristotle's Testimony on Syracuse's Governance

Aristotle discusses the evolution of Syracusan governance, with contradictory implications:

  • Duration of Tyranny: He notes that the tyrannies at Syracuse lasted no more than eighteen years and pointed out their eventual transition into different types of governance.

  • Conversion to Democracy: In his writings, Aristotle indicates:
      - Syracuse transitioned from tyranny to a form of democracy after overcoming ancestral injustice. However, at times he refers to the government post-tyranny as a politeia (a mixed constitution involving elements of democracy and oligarchy). This raises complexities regarding whether the government was truly democratic.

Diodorus of Sicily’s Historical Account

Diodorus, although writing from a later period, recounts significant details about Syracuse’s political transformation:

  • Initial Tyranny: Gelon was portrayed as a commendable leader; however, his successors Hieron and Thrasybulus severely damaged the populace’s trust through graft, violence, and oppression.

  • Revolt Against Thrasybulus: After enduring Thrasybulus' harsh rule, which included mass executions, the Syracusans successfully rebelled with the help of neighboring cities,
      - Thrasybulus eventually was confined to Ortygia after defeat.

  • Post-Revolt Developments: The Syracusans established democracy, which included:
      - Holding a public assembly (ebblesia) for reflection on governance and decisions regarding sovereignty and citizenship.
      - The decision to construct a statue of Zeus the Liberator and host annual celebrations to commemorate liberty.
      - Efforts in restoring democracies in upriver Sicilian cities that had also been under tyrannical subjugation.

Political Strife and Rebellions

Inclusion of Mercenaries

Following the revolt, political friction arose regarding citizenship:

  • Exclusion of Mercenary-Citizens: The decision to confine office-holding to original Syracusans, thereby excluding mercenaries (around 7,000), incited further tensions.

  • Coup Attempts: A violent response emerged, as the foreign mercenaries revolted against their exclusion.

Prelude to Petalism

To circumvent the chances of tyranny returning:

  • The practice of petalism was introduced, akin to ostracism in Athens, which involved seeking to limit the power of influential citizens by voting to exile them.

  • The law proved short-lived as it caused many reputable citizens to withdraw from public life, leading to instability and misgovernment.

The Nature of Syracusan Democracy (466-412 BC)

Overview of Democratic Functioning

  • While the nature of Syracusan democracy is debated, there is consensus that it involved significant citizen participation.

  • Democratic Ideals: Emphasis on liberty (eleutheyia) and equality, along with the presence of popular assemblies (ebblesia).

  • Constitutional Variations: Different historical interpretations suggest whether the governance leant towards a broad democracy or retained aristocratic influences.

  • Thucydides identifies Syracuse unequivocally as a democracy during its conflict with Athens.

Interpreting the Democratic Landscape

Concluding Thoughts

  • Impact of War on Democracy: The political landscape of Syracuse was notably shaped by external conflicts, with generals facing severe repercussions for military failures, an indicative sign of democratic principles.

  • Legacy of Rhetoric: The era also birthed significant rhetorical practices, further embedding democratic engagement.

  • Comparative Analysis: Asserting Syracuse's democracy parallels significantly with Athens' yet differing in terms of local needs and governance adaptations.

These notes encapsulate an in-depth exploration of popular politics in Syracuse during the fifth century, tracing trajectories of democratic governance, social discord, and political evolution against the backdrop of shifting allegiances and power dynamics.