Agora - what is it? The first association that occurs when pronouncing the word refers to Ancient Greece. And she is right. Moreover, this term is ambiguous. Details that this is an agora will be described in the proposed review.
Two meanings
What is agora? The definition of this unit of language in the dictionary is given in two versions.
- The first of them speaks of the initial interpretation and denotes a meeting of citizens who decided the most important matters in the life of the city. These included, for example, the military, judges, traders.
- The second reports that over time, this name began to refer to the place where the meetings took place, that is, to the square. They placed statues of gods, built temples, other public buildings, located on the sides. Also, trading was concentrated on the agora, festive processions were held here. Residents of the city spent in this place a significant part of their time. Those who celebrated the celebration were called the word "agoraios".
Further, in continuation of the consideration of the question that this is an agora, each of the indicated meanings will be described in more detail.
National assembly
In ancient Greece, it was the highest authority in the state. As a rule, he possessed three types of power: legislative, executive and judicial. Every free man who was a citizen of this state who was 20 years old could take part in his work.
In oligarchic policies, the rights of the agora were limited to other state bodies. They could be collegia, advice. In some states, popular assemblies bore other names. So, in Athens it was ecclesia, in Argos - aliyah, in Sparta - apella.
Considering that this means "agora", it should be noted that the people at the meeting decided on all the affairs of the state - on concluding peace, declaring war, signing treaties and creating unions. The powers of the ambassadors were also established by the people. When the ambassadors returned after fulfilling their mission, after appearing on the council, they were received at a public meeting.
The spending of public financial resources, as well as changes in the amount of duties and fees, depended on the decision of citizens. Their competence included matters relating to a religious cult, for example, the introduction of a new one.
Together with other corporations, the people were engaged in the distribution of honors and rights to individuals. The assembly also granted citizenship the right to foreigners. The judicial duties of the people were only in emergency situations. In most cases, the decision remained with the court.
Town Square
What is this agora in the second meaning? Usually this is an area that was located in the very center of the city. It was the main market, which was divided into "circles" in accordance with the types of goods. Often there were government buildings. As a rule, the agora was surrounded by galleries with temples and craft workshops. Sometimes statues were erected around the square.
Often the agora was the administrative and economic center of the city. The texts with the current legislation of the policy were put on public display at it. The most important decrees and other official documents were carved in stone.
In the classical period, the position of the central square became isolated, having a regular layout. Agora communicated with the city only through the gates. The order on the square was controlled by special-purpose officials, who were called “agoranomas”.
