The Greeks An Introduction to Their Culture, 3rd edition

HISTORY 63

evidence that Athens interfered with the constitutions of member states, favouring
more democratic arrangements, so that initially the federation was united by the need
not only to combat an external threat but also perhaps to secure democratic constitu-
tions against their oligarchic predecessors. At any rate, by the time that the treasury
of the league was moved from Delos to Athens in 454, it was clear to all that what
had begun as a voluntary association had gradually become the empire of Athens.
Surviving fragments of a decree from the Athenian assembly excavated in the
agora and dated to c. 453 show the Athenians requiring the inhabitants of the Ionian
city of Erythrai to bring grain or victims for sacrifice to the great Panathenaia and
otherwise laying down the law to this ally presumably after it had revolted from the
empire (Meiggs & Lewis, 40). Another degree from the agora shows the Athenians
regulating the affairs of Chalchis, an island that had revolted. Adult citizens are
required to swear to obey the Athenians and to pay tax; they in return will treat them
well (Meiggs & Lewis, 52). The allies in time were forbidden to mint their own coins
or use their own weights and measures. Coins were to be brought to the treasury,
handed over and exchanged for Athenian money. The Hellenotamiaewere to record
all transactions publicly (Meiggs & Lewis, 45). These two inscriptions have been
variously dated to the 440s or 420s but they are indicative of a gradual and inexorable
pattern of Athenian domination.

Academy

Pnyx

Erechtheum

Odeum

Lycabettus

Hill

Hill of the Muses (Temple of

Olympian Zeus)

Market

Hill

Gate

Gate

Gate

Gate

Gate

Gate Gate Gate Gate

Gate

Gate

Eridanus

ThemistoclesWall of

Ilisus

(^1) / 2 mile
1 km
Long Wa
lls
Lon
g
Wa
lls
N
Hill of the NymphsAreopagus
Propylaea
Theatre of
Dionysus
Acropolis
Parthenon
Olympieum
Dipylon Gate Pan a
thenaic W
ay
AGORA
Lyceum
Gate
FIGURE 17 Athens in the Classical era