In this episode, we explore the Athenian legal system, focusing on how justice was administered and the role of citizens in upholding the law. We start by looking at the Scythians as a historical comparison, before examining the courts (dikasteria), the jury (dikastai), and the trial process itself.
Join us as we break down how large juries of ordinary citizens were used to decide verdicts, the strengths and weaknesses of this system, and the ways emotion, persuasion, and social status could influence outcomes. We also reflect on who was excluded from participation and how this shaped Athenian ideas of justice and fairness.
Discover how the legal system functioned alongside other democratic institutions, the balance it tried to achieve between citizen involvement and expertise, and what lessons we can draw from it about civic responsibility and political power.
Whether you’re curious about ancient law, the role of citizens in democracy, or the roots of trial and justice, this episode provides a clear and engaging look at how Athens sought to govern fairly in the Classical period.
Episode Schedule:
New episodes of The Classical Companion drop on Thursdays
New episodes of our Classical Literature series (currently retelling Homer’s Iliad) air on Mondays
