The Deme and the Polis
"deme" comes from ὁ δῆμος = the people
the demarch (mayor of a deme) is δῆμος + ἄρχειν = to command, to order
an-archy = no command, no order
a demagogue: δῆμος + ἄγειν leading the people, in ancient times a leader of the people, nowadays more of an agitator who appeals to the less endearing side of people
Paragraph 1
What is a deme? Its set-up, purpose.
Why so many?
How is it administered?
Who has a right to vote? What about women?
Paragraph 2
The physical, visual side of a deme.
Houses: building and organization.
Furnishings: water and light?
Paragraphs 3 & 4
A man's day? It hasn't changed all that much in rural areas in quite a number of countries: Work during the day, agora or village square, wine shop, taberna, tasca.... discussions. About what?
Why so many religious festivals?
What other forms of entertainment were there?
What enticements were there for farmers to go to Athens? Why to Athens?
Remaining paragraphs
Duties of Athenian citizens:
- political (remember that democracy means power τὸ κράτος of the people)
- military. Why was the army so important?
What are "The ideals of Athenian democray"?
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