Politics > Ostracism

Ostracism

Ostracism was a political practice used in ancient Athens, designed to protect the city-state from potential tyrants and significant threats to its democratic system. It involved the temporary exile of a citizen deemed dangerous to the state's stability. This practice reflected the Athenians' commitment to maintaining their democratic system and preventing the concentration of power.

Key Features of Ostracism

1. Procedure:

   • Annual Opportunity: The process of ostracism began with an annual opportunity for the citizens of Athens to decide whether they wanted to hold an ostracism vote. This decision was made during a special assembly meeting in the sixth month of the Athenian calendar.
   • Initial Vote: If the assembly decided to proceed with an ostracism, a preliminary vote was taken to determine if there was sufficient support for the process.
   • Ostracism Vote: If the initial vote passed, a formal vote was held. Citizens would write the name of the person they wanted to ostracize on a piece of pottery shard called an ostrakon.

2. Exile and Duration:

   • Exile Period: The individual who received the most votes was exiled from Athens for ten years. However, they retained their property and citizenship rights and could return after the exile period without any stigma.
   • Reintegration: Upon their return, the ostracized individual could resume their life and political activities as before, assuming no additional legal actions had been taken against them.

3. Purpose and Rationale:

   • Preventing Tyranny: Ostracism was primarily used as a preventive measure to protect the state from individuals who were perceived as threats to the democratic system. It targeted those who might accumulate excessive power or pose a risk of establishing a tyranny.
   • Public Safety: The practice aimed to maintain political stability and protect the city from factionalism and internal conflict by removing potentially disruptive figures.

Historical Context and Notable Examples

1. Origins:

   • Cleisthenes' Reforms: Ostracism is attributed to the reforms of Cleisthenes, an Athenian statesman who played a crucial role in establishing the foundations of Athenian democracy around 508/507 BCE. The practice was part of his broader efforts to prevent the rise of tyranny and promote political equality.

2. Notable Ostracisms:

   • Themistocles: Themistocles, a prominent Athenian general and politician, was ostracized around 471 BCE. Despite his significant contributions to the Greek victory at the Battle of Salamis, his political rivals used ostracism to remove him from power.
   • Aristides: Known as "Aristides the Just," he was ostracized around 482 BCE, allegedly because some citizens were tired of hearing him called "the Just." He was later recalled and played a crucial role in the Battle of Plataea.
   • Cimon: Cimon, a leading Athenian statesman and general, was ostracized around 461 BCE due to his pro-Spartan policies, which clashed with the increasingly anti-Spartan sentiment in Athens.

3. Decline of Ostracism:

   • Decreased Use: Ostracism gradually fell out of favor and was used less frequently after the 5th century BCE. The rise of other political mechanisms and legal procedures likely contributed to its decline.
   • Last Known Use: The last recorded ostracism occurred in 417 BCE when Hyperbolus was ostracized. However, it is believed that this ostracism was manipulated by political rivals, leading to a decline in the practice's credibility.

Impact and Legacy

1. Democratic Safeguard:

   • Protection of Democracy: Ostracism served as a safeguard for Athenian democracy by providing a mechanism to remove potentially dangerous individuals without resorting to violence or more drastic measures.
   • Public Participation: The process involved direct participation from the citizenry, reflecting the democratic principle of active involvement in political decision-making.

2. Political Tool:

   • Political Rivalry: While intended as a protective measure, ostracism was sometimes used as a tool for political rivalry. Influential figures could rally support to ostracize their opponents, using the practice to gain political advantage.

3. Cultural Influence:

   • Historical Significance: Ostracism is often cited as an example of the innovative political practices developed in ancient Athens. It illustrates the lengths to which the Athenians went to protect their democracy and maintain political balance.
   • Modern References: The concept of ostracism has influenced modern political thought and language, where the term is used metaphorically to describe social exclusion or political marginalization.

Conclusion

Ostracism was a unique and significant practice in ancient Athenian democracy, designed to protect the state from potential threats by temporarily exiling individuals deemed dangerous. It reflected the Athenians' commitment to maintaining their democratic system and preventing the concentration of power. While it served as a safeguard for democracy, ostracism also became a tool for political maneuvering and rivalry. The legacy of ostracism continues to be a topic of interest in the study of ancient Greek politics and its influence on modern democratic practices.

Sources

Greek Politics