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Ancient Greeks
History of Rhetoric
Something Remarkable Happened
 6th-4th
Century B.C.
 Demokratia
◦ (demos=people;

kartos=political power)
Athenian citizens (birthright) decided:
◦
◦
◦
◦
Go to War
Send Ambassadors
Raise / Lower taxes
Convict / Acquit the accused
Ancient Agora
The Ancient Agora (The Agora was an open "place of assembly" in ancient Greek city-states.
Early in Greek history (900s–700s BCE), free-born male land-owners who were citizens would
gather in the agora for military duty or to hear statements of the ruling king or council) of
Athens is the best-known example of an ancient Greek agora.
tonioneill.blogspot.com/
Rights of Citizens

Isegoria:

500 Athenians gathered (not all spoke)
 5th
Equality in the agora: assembly
C: Rhetor
◦ (Someone who introduces legislation into the assembly)
 4th
C: Rhetor
◦ (Expert on politics)

Later: Rhetor
◦ (One skilled in public speaking)
Origins of Rhetoric

Empedocles, 6th C philosopher, poet,
magician

Two Sicilian rhetoricians: Tisias & Corax
Both wrote a handbook of rhetoric
◦ Story of Corax & Tisias
Greek Theater