What is Athens citizenship like?

In ancient Athens, citizenship was a highly prized status that came with a number of rights and responsibilities. To be considered a citizen, a person had to be a male, born of Athenian parents, and over the age of 18. Women, slaves, and foreigners were not considered citizens and did not have the same rights as citizens.

Rights of Athenian citizens

Athenian citizens had a number of rights, including:

* The right to vote in the Athenian assembly

* The right to hold public office

* The right to own property

* The right to a fair trial

* The right to freedom of speech

* The right to participate in religious ceremonies

Responsibilities of Athenian citizens

Athenian citizens also had a number of responsibilities, including:

* The obligation to serve in the military

* The obligation to pay taxes

* The obligation to obey the laws of Athens

* The obligation to participate in public affairs

Loss of Athenian citizenship

Athenian citizenship could be lost in a number of ways, including:

* Treason

* Desertion

* Failure to pay taxes

* Bankruptcy

* Insanity

Restoration of Athenian citizenship

Athenian citizenship could be restored in a number of ways, including:

* By a special vote of the Athenian assembly

* By a grant from the king

* By inheritance