Shepherds of men: a reassessment of the Athenian strategoi in the classical period

Thesis

This thesis analyses the Athenian strategoi in the fifth and fourth centuries BC. The work critically engages with existing literature on the matter and proposes a different reconstruction of the strategoi. Instead of being weak officers with limited powers, this work argues that the strategoi had substantial independence and authority within the limits of their mandate, which was often quite loose. The office accountability limited erratic behaviour and open insubordination, but did not totally hinder every commander's independence; some commanders acted more boldly than others, probably trusting that by achieving a positive outcome in battle they would avoid harsh repercussions for any misbehaviour.

The strategoi’s authority is also discussed in extra-legal terms. The personal authority of the strategoi is discussed, on the one hand, engaging with existing scholarship on non-institutional ways to exercise power. On the other hand, the phenomenon is studied in terms of charismatic authority. The formulation of ‘synergic charisma’ is here adopted to explain the most extreme cases of extra-legal authority and offers a sociologically sound explanation for its numerous examples.

The second part of the thesis focuses on the more practical aspects of the strategia. It is proposed that the strategoi had some control over their men, even amateur citizen-soldiers, which allowed them to execute basic tactics already in the fifth century. The trend of the professionalisation of the strategoi is here questioned in favour of a mellower development. The major changes are due to fourth century Athens' socio-economic conditions more than this alleged professionalisation, of which the evidence is limited.

Lastly, the strategoi's role in the campaign's morale management and organisation is discussed to demonstrate their considerable set of responsibilities, which suggests a considerable degree of independence.

Authors: Morassi, D

• DOI: 10.5287/ora-w4aez2qrj
• Type of award: DPhil
• Level of award: Doctoral
• Awarding institution: University of Oxford
• Language: English
• Keywords: leadership; Athenian institutions; military history; Greek history; Ancient history; Athens
• Subjects: Classics ad Ancient history