For José Luis García Ramón, researcher, teacher, friend
mid-December while he was admitted to the clinic my university, I started writing, gratia artis, a translation of
The Republic of the Athenians, the text that José Luis García Greek Ramón taught us in 1983 at the Autonomous University of Madrid.
hang this provisional version in the blog with nostalgia and hope that it will be useful to students of this
or future.
The Republic of the Athenians, the text that José Luis García Greek Ramón taught us in 1983 at the Autonomous University of Madrid.
hang this provisional version in the blog with nostalgia and hope that it will be useful to students of this
or future.
Pseudo-Xenophon
THE REPUBLIC OF
ATHENIANS
I
way the political regime of the Athenians, the fact that this type of regime chose not praise it, choosing, chose the mob that it was better than good people. No, not at such praise. But I'll see the following: that, once it seemed so, well preserved his regime and in their own interest take other measures than other Greeks seem wrong.
(2) So I will say this first: there is just the poor, like the people, have more weight than the noble and rich people. Is that the people is what sets in motion the boat and it brings power to the city: the helmsman, the overseer, the foremen, the fore and carpenters, they are what give it its power to the city, much more than the hoplites, the noble and good people. Well, since the situation is such, it seems fair to everyone involved in public office, both those covered by the current lottery system as those elected by show of hands, and that the citizen who wants to be allowed to speak. (3) Moreover, few magistrates involve the survival of all the people if well performed, or a danger if they are not, in these tribunals do not ask the people at all involved, not believe they are to part by lot or charges in general and commander of the cavalry (is that the people know that gets more out if he is not at the forefront of these charges and let the play's most powerful), but few behave judgeships for salary and benefit the house, the town seeks to play them. (4) It is also what some look with amazement that at any time are more generous with the rabble, the poor and common people with good people, with these same measures clearly guarantee the survival of democracy. Is that if they do well for the poor, ordinary people, the worst condition, and increases the number of such, gives rise to great democracy. Instead, as they go well with the rich and well-wishers, the mob is strengthening her hand component. (5) any land in the best part is contrary to democracy, as among the best there is a minimum of indiscipline, injustice and a maximum of righteousness as it relates to, among the people is greatest ignorance, indiscipline and turpitude. Is that poverty leads to all the shameful acts, and lack of education and ignorance to which some men are facing lack of resources. (6) Some might say that would be necessary not to let everyone speak and deliberated on an equal footing, only the most skilled and best men. But at this point they also make the best decisions when the mob can also talk. Is that if good people speak and deliberated among themselves, their peers would do well but not to the mob, now, however, to speak up for choice, a man of the mob, what gives with good for him and his fellows. (7) Some might say: "A man such, how could I know what's good for him or the people? ". They know that ignorance, meanness and favoritism it benefits them more than the virtue of a good man, his wisdom and animosity. (8) Thus, a city may not be the best thanks to these provisions, but democracy ensures their survival in the best shape. Is that people do not want to live as a servant while the city enjoys a good scheme, but wants to be free and send, and cares little for the poor progress of the policy. It happens that what you consider that it is a good scheme, itself draws its strength the people and becomes free. (9) And you're a good scheme political, first you will see the most skillful enactment of legislation, then punish the good people of the mob, deliberate on the city and will not agree that men crazy deliberate or speak or participate in the assembly. Yes, thanks to these good people would fall quickly steps into bondage.
(10) Moreover, in Athens is a huge lack of discipline among the slaves and metics, and there is neither slave nor can beat you yield. I will explain why there is this local custom. Legal if you hit the open man the servant, metic or freed, often one in the belief that Athens was a servant, would give a blow, is that, by their dress, the people there no advantage at all to slaves and metics, and its appearance is far better. (11) And if anyone can admire this too, that allow the slaves living there at home, and some are given a great life, this too would be to do so with clear intent. As it happens, where there is a sea power, force the slaves give their service in exchange for money, so that his master receives input from the working and free. And where there are rich slaves, there is no longer expedient that my servant is afraid. But I fear my servant Sparta. And, if thy servant fear me, possibly pay his own money in order not danger in him. (12) So, this also gave them freedom of speech to the slaves against the free-and metics to citizens because the city needs them both for the variety of craft work and for the fleet. For this, then, logically also granted freedom of speech to the wogs.
(13) There has plunged the people who exercise in education practice gymnastics and musical activities, believing that this is not good because she knows that is not capable of exercising. Moreover, with regard to coregías, organizing events and trierarquías gymnastics, you know that the rich are who play the coregía while the people are who benefits from it, and organize the rich and trierarquías gymnastic competitions while the people who takes advantage of trierarquías and contests. Therefore, people judge just ask for money for singing, running, dancing and rowing in the boat, that he has and the rich, in time, become poorer. And in the courts of justice are more important than what is convenient for them.
(14) With regard to the Allies following occurs: when the Athenians made their trips reveal, it seems, and become odious to good people, they know that, force, the ruler is hated by the ruled, and if the rich and powerful forces in their cities charge, control of the people in Athens will take no time, so, for this disgrace to the good people, they rob their wealth, expelled and killed while the mob exalt. The Athenians provided quality relief to the good people in the allied cities, knowing that it is always good to help them in the cities with the best. (15) Some might say that this is strength to the Athenians, if the allies are able to bring wealth. But ordinary people do you think is a greater good than the wealth of the Athenian allies keep them each their own, and that those with you need to live and work without being able to conspire.
(16) The people of Athens also seems to make a bad decision on this, as they force the allies to sail to Athens to participate in trials. But they replicate many goods provides it to the people of the Athenians. First, throughout the year to receive the salary to be drawn from the coast. Next, given allied cities sitting at home without taking out to sea vessels, and protect the people while they destroy their opponents in court. But if each one held the trials at home, sink to any of its citizens to be more sympathetic to the people of the Athenians for being angry with them. (17) In addition, the Athenian people out the next advantage of the allies held their trials in Athens. First, a hundredth of Piraeus city receiving increases; (18) then, if one has a guest house, doing better, then, if you have a team or a slave, give it a rent, also heralds take advantage of the rooms of the Allies. Along with this case that if the Allies had not come to trial, would honor only the Athenians to do the voyage strategists, trierarchs and ambassadors. Now, however, each of the allies are obliged to flatter the people of the Athenians, aware that it is necessary which arrived in Athens, render and receive no other accounts are not between people but between people, as is, in fact, law in Athens, and is forced to plead in court and, when it enters one, to get a hold. Why, then, the allies have become more of servants of the people of the Athenians.
(19) Moreover, because of the overseas possessions and tribunals on those territories, without realizing they have learned to handle an oar, they and their companions. It is necessary that a man who navigates often wield the oar, as he his servant, and learn the terms of the crew. (20) and become good coxswains thanks to the hiking experience and practice. The practices were manning a boat simple, others a cargo ship, and some, went from here on board the galleys. Most are able to get to work no more boarding ships, as they have acquired the practice throughout his life.
II
heavy infantry, which seems to operate with less property in Athens, are configured as follows. Feel that they are less and less numerous than the enemy, but by land, are also more powerful than the allies who provide the tax, and think that his infantry well enough for them, provided they are more powerful than the allies. (2) Furthermore, by chance, I happened something like the following. Those who are subjugated by a land power can form a cluster of small towns and fight together, but who are subjugated by sea, all that dwell on islands, cities can be grouped by combining them, because the sea is in the middle and those who dominate control the sea, and if the Islanders can meet without being noticed on one island, they will starve. (3) Of all the cities on the continent that control the Athenians of subjugate the great fear while small make it totally by necessity, because there is no city that does not need to import or export something, now, this will not be possible unless those who rule Ignore the sea. (4) Besides, who are masters of the sea can do what only they can sometimes earthly powers, ravaging the land of those who overcome, because they can afford to where there is no enemy or few, if approach, board and depart, and, acting in this way, they encounter fewer difficulties than the walk comes to the rescue. (5) Moreover, the maritime powers can sail their own country for a voyage so long as they want, while those who exercise their power on land, they are unable to deviate from your country to make a campaign lasting several days, is that the marches are slow and also when you walk can not take food for a long time. And going on foot for land must be friends or fight and win, the sailing, on the other hand, can land on this earth in the most aggressive and, where it is not, not disembark and continue browsing until reach a friendly territory or people below him. (6) Moreover, support earthly powers worst cereal diseases that come from Zeus, the sea, however, the better, but the whole land is not sick at the same time, so that the grain has been brought to the owners the sea from the country you are bearing fruit.
(7) And, if memory has to do trivial things also, was primarily for control of the sea and discovered the ways of the good life, mingling with each other. Is that what is pleasant in Sicily, Italy, Cyprus, Egypt, Lydia, Pontus, in the Peloponnese and elsewhere, all this is gathered in one place thanks to the control of the sea. (8) In addition, as they hear all kinds of talk, the one I selected one, the other from another. And so, the Greeks used mainly speech, your lifestyle and your own clothing, but the Athenians used a mix from all the Greeks and barbarians.
(9) In regard to sacrifices, temples, and shrines celebrations, the people know that it is possible that each of the poor sacrifice, were entertained, they erected temples and a beautiful city and is living large, and discovered this way of taking these things. Well, the city publicly sacrificed victims in abundance, but the town is that it entertains and touches the lot of victims. (10) And as for gyms, restrooms and changing rooms, some of the rich have privately, but the town itself is built for himself [privately] many arenas, dressing and bathing places and the people out more out of this than the elite and fortunate.
(11) are the only ones able to possess the wealth of the Greeks and barbarians. Well, if a city is rich in timber ships, where the distributed, if not convince the owner of the sea? So what? If a city is rich in iron, copper or linen, where do you distribute, if not convince the owner of the sea? Well, these same materials also come indeed my boat, and get a timber, other iron, other brass, and other linen, other wax. (12) In addition, no permit to carry the goods to others who are rivals of ours, or will not transport them by sea. And I, without producing anything in my country, I have all this thanks to the sea as no other city has two of these products, and the city itself has no wood and linen, but where there is linen in large quantity, the country is flat and treeless. Nor leave the copper and iron in the same city or, as regards the rest, there are two or three products that possess a single city but the one I have and the other not.
(13) And yet it is added to it along the whole coast out there or highlighting or an island or a narrow front, so that those who control the sea is possible to anchor them there and harass those who inhabit the coast. (14) But one thing they lack, is that if the Athenians sea \u200b\u200blords were living on an island, could do the evil they wanted without getting nothing while controlled the sea, or that their land was ravaged and they had to wait for the enemy. Now, however, peasants and wealthy Athenians tend to please the enemies while the people live carefree and not flatter because it is certain that no fire or anything ravage him. (15) more if it would inhabit an island free of other fear, that the city was not ever delivered betrayal by the minority or the doors opened and fell to assault the enemy: So how would this happen, inhabiting an island? Nor would the fear of there was no rebellion against the people if they inhabit an island. For now, if you rebel, you rebel put their trust in the enemy, the idea to attract to their aid by land. But if an island inhabited also be deprived of this fear. (16) Thus, given that, in principle, they got lucky not to inhabit an island, now do the following: put their fortunes in the islands, confident in their control over the sea, and is viewed with indifference devastated the land of Attica, knowing that, if they feel sorry for her, will be deprived of other goods higher.
(17) Moreover, cities with an oligarchic regime have forcibly to comply with the alliances and oaths. And in case you do not adhere to agreements, or if you receive an injustice by someone [...] names of the elite that established the agreement. But, as agreed by the people, they can, attributing responsibility to one, the speaker and voted on it, deny it to others because "I was not present and I do not like", referring to agreements to find out that have been established in the presence of all the people and if this does not seem right, find endless excuses for not doing as they do not want. And, in case something bad resulting from decisions made by the people, he blames him a few men, working in against him, spoiled, but if it is good, claimed responsibility.
(18) On the other hand, do not allow that ridicule the people or to speak badly of him for not hearing rumors about themselves. However, as individuals, urging it if anyone wants to do to someone, knowing well that, in most cases, the ridicule is not the people or the heap, but a rich, noble or powerful, and that poor or ridicules a few Democrats, and not to them if not for his meddling and because they want to have something more than the people, so do not get upset when these people are mocked. (19) Thus, I affirm that the people of Athens know what people are good people and which are despicable, and, knowing this, consider the feelings and they are useful, even despicable, while the more good people hate it, because no think that the virtue of these results naturally for his own good but a bad. And contrary to this, some of the people being really, are not democratic in nature. (20) I understand the benefit to the people for democracy, we all feel understood by the be good to yourself. But, without being of the people chose to live in a city with a democratic system rather than an oligarchy, it was decided to act because it unfairly realized that, which is evil, it is easier to go unnoticed in a city with a democratic regime in an oligarchy.
III
And by the way the political regime of the Athenians, the system does not praise. But since it seemed to be a democracy, it seems that the well preserved using this type of scheme I have presented.
Moreover, I also see that some complain that the Athenians this, that there sometimes you can not the council or the people resolve the issue of a man who is waiting for a year. And this happens in Athens for no other reason but because, due to many causes, are unable to transact all their issues resolved. (2) Well, well, how could they if, first, they celebrate many festivals like any of the Greek cities (during the latter is hardly possible to solve some public affairs), then have to try cases private, public causes and accountabilities in number as not judge all men together, and the board should hold a lot of good discussions about the war, either on the income of wealth and the establishment of laws, and a lot about the events always occur in a city, affecting many allies, and receive the tribute and deal with the springs and temples? Is it surprising if, having so many causes, are unable to resolve the issues of all people? Some say, (3) "If one comes before the council or the people with money, you will resolve your case." I would agree with them in many cases are settled in Athens paying, and still be resolved in greater numbers if more people give him money. But I know well this, which the city is unable to resolve their issues to all those with claims, even if they would give the amount of gold and silver. (4) And it is also necessary to prosecute cases like these, if one does not repair or build a vessel on public land, and to rule every year in regard to coreg have to pay for the Dionysia, the Targelias, the Panathenaic, the promised and Hefestias and every year is named trierarchs to four, and we must make every year sentence in connection with which any of these, it is also necessary to test the performance of magistrates and to rule over them, and test the orphans and appoint guards of prisoners. (5) Thus, the above must be done every year. And, from time to time we should judge the desertions and other crime that is present in an unforeseen manner, whether committed an abuse that is out of the ordinary, whether incurred in wickedness. I still leave many things, but most important is that, unless the fixing of the tax; this happens, as usual, every five years. Come, see, should we not believe that it is necessary to rule on all these things? (6) Well, do not tell anyone would need to be tried there. But on the other hand, if it is clear that it should be judging all cases, it is essential to do throughout the year, then or now, hold trials throughout the year, have the ability to finish with offenders by the number of people. (7) Come, but some will say that it is necessary judge, but to judge less. Indeed, unless they become few courts, of necessity there will be few in each court, so that, with few judges, it will be easier to reach an agreement with them and bribe them to judge in a much less fair. (8) Besides this you must know that the Athenians also have a need to celebrate holidays during which you can not judge. And twice held that the other party! But I think I the same as in the city that held in the fewest.
Indeed, when such situation, I say that it is impossible for things to go in Athens differently from now going, unless that little by little, delete any provision fit and enter another. But you can not change a lot without removing some of the democracy. (9) is that it can take many steps to ensure that the political system run better, but not easy to do so that the city remains a democracy and, at par with what is given is sufficient to govern better, unless, as I said a moment ago, introducing and removing any other provision.
(10) And I think that is incorrect is another decision of the Athenians, preferring the meanest people in the cities that rise. Although they do this knowingly. Is that if people prefer higher quality, rather those who do not feel the same way that they, as in any city has for the better class of people in each city but what is worse, as each group cares for their peers. So why the Athenians prefer that corresponds with them. (11) And how many times they tried to elect better people, did not find it profitable [...] but the Boeotian town fell into slavery in a short time and the same happened when you chose the best among the Milesians, soon time away from the people and the subjugated, and the same when they chose to place the Spartans in the Messenians, shortly after the Spartans had undergone Messenians and made war with the Athenians.
(12) One might argue that no one has been deprived of their rights as citizens unfairly in Athens. I maintain that there are those who have been deprived of their civil rights unfairly, although few. (13) That is not just a few to attack the democracy of Athens, since there is a situation where people do not think at all in those who have been deprived of their just rights but those who have been unfairly. How, then, believe one that has been unjustly deprived of their rights to the majority in Athens, where the town is played by the judiciary? Because it is not governed according to justice or just does not say is why people are private their rights in Athens. Need to think about it and not think they represent a risk the disenfranchised in Athens.
(2) So I will say this first: there is just the poor, like the people, have more weight than the noble and rich people. Is that the people is what sets in motion the boat and it brings power to the city: the helmsman, the overseer, the foremen, the fore and carpenters, they are what give it its power to the city, much more than the hoplites, the noble and good people. Well, since the situation is such, it seems fair to everyone involved in public office, both those covered by the current lottery system as those elected by show of hands, and that the citizen who wants to be allowed to speak. (3) Moreover, few magistrates involve the survival of all the people if well performed, or a danger if they are not, in these tribunals do not ask the people at all involved,
Trad. Joseph B. Torres