Fathers and Sons in Athens

As history's first democracy, classical Athens invited political discourse. The Athenians, however could not completely separate the politicals from the private sphere; indeed father-son conflict, from patricide to murdering one's son, was a major public as well as a private theme. In a fascinating historical reappraisal, the author explores the consequences, for Athens and us, of the powerful influence of familial ideology on politics.

Barry Strauss

Preface; 1. Introduction: Solidarity or Conflict? 2. Intellectual Paternity, Appendix A: Patrios and Pater 3. Solidarity: Proud Fathers Obedient Sons 4. Conflict: The Sons of Theseus 5. The Hour of the Son, ca. 450-415 B.C. 6. The Return of the Father, 413-399 B.C.; Conclusion; Bibliography