Capital Punishment in Classical Athens

Abstract

This paper attempts to describe the working of capital punishment within the frame of the Athenian legal system, taking into account the latter’s peculiarities and idiosyncracies. In the first place, it approaches the problem of the so-called procedural orientation of Athenian law, arguing that no definite list of capital offences in classical Athens can be compiled. Secondly, it considers the question of how death penalty was imposed in classical Athens and what were its viable substitutes. Finally, it looks at the different ways of its execution, with particular attention given to hemlock poisoning and bloodless crucifixion (apotympanismos).