Power and legitimation: ideas of ‘sovereignty’ in classic Athens

Antoni Abat i Ninet

Chapter 1 in Research Handbook on the Law and Politics of Sovereignty, 2026, pp 11-28 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter deals with the concepts of sovereignty and legitimacy in classical Athens, tracing their evolution from Solon's reforms through the fifth century BCE. It examines Athens’ movement from a system of direct popular participation to a more institutionalised framework grounded in the sovereignty of law, highlighting the contributions of figures such as Cleisthenes and Ephialtes. Finally, it draws parallels with modern democracies, suggesting that these ancient developments can offer valuable perspectives for rethinking popular sovereignty today.

Keywords: Legitimacy; Ancient Athens; Cleisthenes and Ephialtes; Direct popular participation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781803926346
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