GRK 205 – Reading Greek Prose: Court Room Dramas, Selections from Athenian Oratory

In classical Athens there were no public prosecutors and no lawyers. Citizens took it on themselves to prosecute their political enemies, their wives’ lovers, and violent offenders against family, friends, and state. Court cases are fascinating for the laws, political dynamics, social beliefs, animosities and gossip they bring to light. In this course, we will focus on selections from two cases in Greek and will also read additional cases in translation.