Astrateias graphe

Astrateias Graphe (Ancient Greek: ἀστρατείας γραφή) was a legal charge in Ancient Athens that could be brought against citizens who failed to appear for required military service. People accused of this offense were tried in courts consisting of fellow soldiers and presided over by strategoi.

Definition

The offense of astrateia consisted at minimum of refusal to serve in the military when called upon. Scholars debate the precise relationship between astrateias and related offenses of cowardice (δειλίας), unauthorized retreat during battle (λιποταξίου) and desertion (λιποστρατίου), with some treating one of these terms as an umbrella term that includes the others.

An accusation of astrateia could be brought by a citizen. The accused would be tried in a court consisting of a general (Strategos) and soldiers who had served in the associated military campaign. For this reason cases could be tried after the conclusion of the campaign in which the accused failed to serve. If convicted, the defendant and his descendants would have their citizenship revoked (atimia).

References

  1. 1 2 3 A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities (1890), Astrateias Graphe
  2. ↑ Harry Thurston Peck, Harpers Dictionary of Classical Antiquities (1898), Astrateias Graphé
  3. ↑ Hesk, Jon. "Dom and Boris have forgotten their ancient history (again!)". University of Saint Andrews - Ancient and Modern Rhetoric. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  4. ↑ Hamel, Debra. "Coming to Terms with λιποτάξιον". grbs.library.duke.edu. Greek, Roman and Byzantine Studies. Retrieved 13 August 2026.
  5. ↑ A Smaller Dictionary of Greek and Roman, William Smith, p.45