Seeking for honour(s)? The exploitation of philotimia and citizen benefactors in classical Athens

Abstract

Although the concept of philotimia was thought to be not totally unproblematic in ancient Greece and in Athenian society more specifically, the Athenian polis exploited the power of philotimia in its own interests, and this from the early beginnings of Athenian democracy onwards. Nevertheless, this exploitation had its limitations when Athenian citizens were concerned. The available evidence concerning the Athenian honours system, which can be considered as one of the most remarkable and most effective examples of the Athenian exploitation of the power of philotimia, indicates a serious reluctance on the part of the demos to honour Athenian benefactors officially. Public and private associations at sub-polis level, which unlike the polis did officially honour citizen benefactors, might for wealthy citizens have functioned as alternative routes for obtaining honour and status.