#bouleterion

[ukdamo]

Today's Flickr photo with the most hits is a shot of the bouleterion of ancient city of Aphrodisias, in present day Turkey. The bouleterion was the seat of the city government (think of it as the Council Chamber).

[athenianconnection]

I was sent to Athens by the great King Philip to watch over the recent activities of their people and to understand the culture that surrounds them. I, Arronius, born of noble blood and groomed for political greatness was excited to see others of my ilk in action and although I have never traveled outside of our great homelands it was an honor to be onlooker to the aristocrats of Athens.  I sat waiting in anticipation for great debate as approximately 100 men presumably from wealth and power approached their seats. A quick opening ceremony was followed by many unceremonious tasks such as hearing out the complaints of the people. This seemed more of a show than anything else to appease and subdue those not born with money. As the focus turned to debate of property, land or slave, I was shocked to find myself seeing many similarities to the play I had witness the night before. Shouting ensued. Senators and consuls all engaging in one big pissing contest. There was much flaunting of wealth as though it would give their arguments more credibility than if it was said by a poor man. One man threw his sandal in disgust at the head of another, not giving an inch. It was quite exhilarating to see these men of nobility, reduced to nothing more than animals.  That statement rings even more true as this process went on. As the debate ended the peasants and slaves were dispersed back to their daily goings on the doors were shut and only the wealthy class stayed. I was recognized to be above the common folk through my dress and etiquette allowed to stay within the walls. As the sunlight slowly left the interior candles were lit showing a delightful spread. Fruits, exotic meats, and fermented drinks brought out by concubines and the animosity between these aristocrats just seemed to melt away. Hedonism at its finest. It seems that even here in a place of law making and business, the Athenians find time for the finer things just outside the sight and reach of the common man.