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Old Oligarch - Coggle Diagram
Old Oligarch
Date and Purpose
predictions for date vary widely, from 440s to c. 400
It is an essay which states that democracy is distasteful but argues that it is appropriate for Athens
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Author
Altman argues there is a distinction between the author and the speaker, and that Xenophon is the former while Alcibiades is the latter
because there are sections of the text which present a dichotomy between a democratic city and an oligarchic one, which suggests knowledge of both Athens and Sparta
Alcibiades spent time in both places, and so Altman reasons this is his speech reflecting on his time in Athens, to a Spartan
Big Ideas
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believes that the most important positions of government should be in the hands of the educated and competent
'The common people understand that it is better off for such decisions to be taken out of their hands and given to the most capable men'
in contrast, Aristophanes believes the power and benefits of the empire should be shared - he criticises those who hold 'overpaid executive posts' because they allot an 'absolute pittance' to the masses
he suggests that those who have fought and sacrificed for the city should get privileges - 'if you haven't got a sting you should get no jury fee'
an 'oligarch' literally believes in the governance of the few, whilst Aristophanes believes the successes and wealth of the empire should be shared, this is why he is celebratory of Dikaiopolis' peace, because one of the 'masses' has achieved the level of imperialism that the elite do