Chapter One The Practice of Oratory in Classical Greece

Abstract

The theory of genres has an empirical grounding and arises out of the observation of the forms of discourse which developed in a particular historical context. This explains why it is appropriate to examine the historical context in which oratory emerged as a phenomenon which was both social and political, that is Classical Greece, and in particular the core of the institutions of democracy. Athenian democracy was a direct democracy in which the people had the right and duty to participate in decision making. The people exercised its supreme authority through three main institutions each fulfilling a different function: the popular courts, Council of Five Hundred and Assembly. In addition to the everyday practice of rhetoric in the law courts, the Council and the Assembly, sources record a series of other contexts in which Athenians made speeches.Keywords: Athenian democracy; Classical Greece; Judicial speeches; law courts; oratory; rhetoric