Athenians in the classical period (508-322 BC) were drawn to an image of themselves as a compassionate and generous people who rushed to the aid of others in distress, both at home and abroad. What relation does this image bear to actual Athenian behavior? This book argues that Athenians felt little pressure as individuals to help fellow citizens whom they did not know. Democratic ideology called on citizens to refrain from harming one another rather than to engage in mutual support, and emphasized the importance of the helping relationship between citizen and city rather than among individual citizens. If the obligation of Athenians to help fellow citizens was fairly tenuous, all the more so was their responsibility to intervene to assist the peoples of other states; a distinct pragmatism prevailed in the city's decisions concerning intervention abroad.

Examines the behavior of Athenians in the classical period, arguing that Athenians felt little pressure as individuals to help fellow citizens.

About the Author
Matthew R. Christ is Professor of Classical Studies at Indiana University. He is author of The Bad Citizen in Classical Athens (2006) and The Litigious Athenian (1998).

Reviews
'A fine bibliography and excellent indexes augment this well-produced effort. Summing up: highly recommended.' Choice



Book Information
ISBN 9781107029774
Author Matthew Christ
Format Hardback
Page Count 223
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 460g
Dimensions(mm) 236mm * 160mm * 15mm