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.

Matthew Christ provides a fresh perspective on Athenian democracy by exploring bad citizenship.

About the Author
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.' Bryn Mawr Classical Review
'This book is a noteworthy contribution, both substantively and methodologically, to the study of democratic Athens.' POLIS: The Journal for the Society of Greek Political Thought
'... the book displays an admirable methodological unity, it is well written in clear and elegant prose, thoroughly researched, and a pleasure to read.' Journal of Hellenic Studies
'... The Bad Citizen in Classical Athens is a worthwhile introduction for anyone interested in ancient legislation, taxation and the clashes between ideals and reality in the upper echelons of society.' Arctos



Book Information
ISBN 9780521730341
Author Matthew R. Christ
Format Paperback
Page Count 264
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 360g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 15mm