Erechtheis

Erechtheis (Ancient Greek: Ἐρεχθηΐς) was a phyle (tribe) of ancient Athens with fourteen demes.[1][2]

The phyle was create in the reforms of Kleisthenes.[3] Although there is little specific reference to the tribe, an inscription dated to either 460 or 459BC in the form of a casualty list allows a little access. Two generals are listed for the single year on which the text insists[4], Ph[ryni]chos is followed in the list by Hippodamas, possibly indicating that he succeeded the former in the summer due to the death of Ph[ryni]chos. Alternatively they were elected together which was not uncommon later.[5] The presence of a seer on the list is surprising, as their role of accompanying the army to interpret omens through the analysis of the entrails of sacrificed animals does not seem particularly dangerous.[6] That there is no other tribe mentioned on the inscription is unusual as most casualty lists arrange the dead according to tribe on a single Stele or group of joined stelai. This stele, however, appears by the smoothness of the un-inscribed faces of the stone to have been solitary. [7] Despite the use of personal names on the list, the repetitions means that the absence of patronymics prevent the identification of the individual and family referred to in each case. This deprivation of social status could be an example of democratic intentions, but it also does something to lessen the personal impact of the list, perhaps through an attempt to prevent social discord which would have resulted from the realisation of the impact on individual families and communities. [8] Had the inscription been divided into the fourteen demes, the exact effect of the losses on individual villages would have been much clearer. Despite the removal of the obvious social status of family associations, names themselves can be used to infer certain things. Greek naming patterns mean that frequently repeated names could indicate family links, and although more social study of Greek names is needed to understand this fully, it is likely that certain names could imply wealth or foreign connections. Examples of this are the names Arcesilas in line 154 of the casualty list, a name common in Sparta at the time, but only later in Athens; and Sicon in line 59 which mainly appear on pots, suggesting a more humble background.[9]

Demes

The demes were Agryle (Upper and Lower), Euonymon, Themakos, Anagyrous, Kedoi, Lamptrai (Upper and Coastal), Pambotadai, Kephisia, Pergase (Upper and Lower), Phegous, Sybridai.[1]

Tribal affiliates

Critias is thought, hypothetically, to have belonged to this phyle.[10]

Erechtheion

References

  1. 1 2 J.S. Traill. The Political Organization of Attica: A Study of the Demes, Trittyes, and Phylai, and Their Representation in the Athenian Council, Volumes 14-16 (p.37 - ) Volume 14 of Hesperia (Princeton, N.J.). ASCSA, 1975 ISBN 0876615140. Retrieved 2015-05-09. templatestyles stripmarker in |publisher= at position 13 (help)
  2. ↑ D Whitehead. The Demes of Attica, 508/7 -ca. 250 B.C.: A Political and Social Study (p.21). Princeton University Press,July 14, 2014 ISBN 1400857686. Retrieved 2015-05-09. templatestyles stripmarker in |publisher= at position 42 (help)
  3. ↑ Apollodorus (III, 14, 8 ; III, 15, 1 ; III, 15, 4), Diodorus of Sicily (IV, 8; IV, 31)
  4. ↑ Robin Osborne and P. J. Rhodes. Greek Historical Inscriptions 478-404 BC Oxford 2017 No. 109
  5. ↑ Meiggs, R.and D.M. Lewis. A Selection of Greek Historical Inscriptions to the end of the Fifth Century B.C, No 33. Oxford 1969
  6. ↑ Robin Osborne and P. J. Rhodes. Greek Historical Inscriptions 478-404 BC No. 109, Oxford 2017
  7. ↑ Robin Osborne and P. J. Rhodes. Greek Historical Inscriptions 478-404 BC No. 109, Oxford 2017
  8. ↑ Robin Osborne and P. J. Rhodes. Greek Historical Inscriptions 478-404 BC No. 109, Oxford 2017
  9. ↑ Robin Osborne and P. J. Rhodes. Greek Historical Inscriptions 478-404 BC No. 109, Oxford 2017
  10. ↑ D Nails. The People of Plato (p.108). Hackett Publishing 2002 ISBN 1603844031. Retrieved 2015-05-09. templatestyles stripmarker in |publisher= at position 25 (help)
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