Ostracism in the Agora

Posted by Robin Fowler May 23, 2006

Ostracism was an action taken by the ancient Athenian people where a prominent or notorious citizen could be kicked out of the city-state for 10 years.

Annually, during the Athenian democratic assembly, the question of whether anyone wanted to nominate someone for ostracism was always raised. If there was someone nominated, the ostracism was held 2 months from that date in the Athenian Agora.

In the agora, citizens scratched the name of a citizen they wanted expelled from Athens on potshards known as ostraka, and placed the votes in urns.

The person ostracized had 10 days to leave Athens. If he returned before his 10 years were up, he could be executed. When the 10 years were up, he could return with no disgrace or dishonor attached to him.

Ostracism was often used as a means of preventing a potential tyrant from threatening the city-state. Sometimes it was used just to get rid of an unpopular Athenian, though.

Ostracism was unique because it went against the relatively new Athenian democratic law. To be ostracized, there need be no charge or crime, and no defense could be mounted. It did, however, take the word and sentiment of the Athenian people into account.