Lin Guenther

The beginnings 508 B.C.: Cleisthenes creates ten tribes

of Athens Tribes named after ancient heroes

Eponymous: giving one’s name to a tribe or place.

Oracle of Apollo at Delphi chose names from list

The Agora

Source: http://plato-dialogues.org/tools/agora.htm

The monument as the central hub for public announcements: Proposed legislation Lawsuits Summons for military service

Source: http://depthome.brooklyn.cuny.edu/classics/dunkle/athnlife/epnymous.htm

Model Monument of the Eponymous Heroes

Source: http://flickr.com/photos/14122758@N06/1445259054

The Heroes

The heroes had no significant relation to the tribe which they represented.

ErechtheusEarly king of AthensRaised by AthenaErechtheion named after him...

AegeusFather of TheseusAegean Sea named after him

PandionEarly king of AthensFather of Aegeus

LeosSacrificed his daughters for AthensLeocorium

AcamasSon of TheseusInvolved in Trojan War

OeneusSon of Pandion

CecropsFounder of AthensHalf man, half serpentFirst to sacrifice to Athena

HippothoonSon of Poseidon

AjaxGreat warrior

AntiochosSon of Herakles

Importance of one’s tribe By tribe an Athenian would :

Be allotted to public officeVote Perform in coral dances in the theatreCompete in sacred gamesServe in councilBe conscriptedFight in battle

Source: http://www.nubiannilecruises.com/greece/general_info/The%20Ancient%20Agora%20of%20Athens_files/IMAGE005.JPG

Source: http://depthome.brooklyn.cuny.edu/classics/dunkle/athnlife/epnymous.htm

Today

Restructuring the Heroes

Antigonos & DemetriosMacedonian kingsAdded 307/6 B.C....removed end of 3rd Cent.

B.C. due to war against Macedon Ptolemy III Euergetes: 224-3 B.C. King Attalos: 200 B.C. Hadrian: 124/5 B.C.