ABSTRACT

As history's first democracy, classical Athens invited political discourse. The Athenians, however could not completely separate the politicals from the private sphere; indeed father-son conflict, from patricide to murdering one's son, was a major public as well as a private theme. In a fascinating historical reappraisal, the author explores the consequences, for Athens and us, of the powerful influence of familial ideology on politics.

chapter 1|20 pages

INTRODUCTION

Solidarity or conflict?

chapter 2|40 pages

INTELLECTUAL PATERNITY

chapter 3|39 pages

SOLIDARITY

Proud fathers, obedient sons

chapter 4|30 pages

CONFLICT

The sons of Theseus

chapter 5|49 pages

THE HOUR OF THE SON,

CA. 450–414 BC

chapter 6|33 pages

THE RETURN OF THE FATHER, 413–399 BC