Athenian <em>Ostrakismos</em> and the <em>Hybris</em> of a would-be tyrant
Kuokkanen, Suvi (2021-06-24)
Kuokkanen, S. (2020). Athenian Ostrakismos and the Hybris of a Would-Be Tyrant. Acta Antiqua Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae, 60(1–2), 53–70. https://doi.org/10.1556/068.2020.00005
© 2020 Acta Antiqua Academiae Scientiarum Hungaricae. The final authenticated version is available online at https://doi.org/10.1556/068.2020.00005.
https://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi-fe2021100850466
Tiivistelmä
Abstract
Analysing Greek literary sources together with a selection of preserved ostraka, this article discusses the interrelationships between the prevention of hybris, the perceptions of tyranny, and the purposes of practising ostracism in fifth-century Athens. It will be proposed that the political decisions to organize ostrakophoriai were reactions to the threat posed by hybristic disposition of an individual — hence, ostracism played a role in detecting and punishing one’s motives and intentions. It will also be proposed that luxurious life-style was perceived by the Athenians both as a sign of Medism and of a hybristic disposition characteristic of a would-be-tyrant. Thus, profligate life-styles of political figures might have urged the Athenians to organise ostrakophoriai.
Kokoelmat
- Avoin saatavuus [31657]