A Research On Bribery Phenomenon In Classical Athens(508B.C.-322B.C.)

The democracy of Athens is the model of democracy of the ancient Greek cities,which is also a defining characteristic of the golden age of ancient Greek civilization.From the reform of Cleisthenes to Pericles,The openness of state organs has been expanding;the rights of citizens are increasing and putting into practice.All of adult male citizens have the opportunity to be selected by ballot or election.Furthermore,bribery as an indispensable part of politics was also rife in all aspects of Athenian society.The appearance of bribery is closely related to the prevailing of gift giving.The development of bribery phenomenon is also related to the rise and fall of democracy.With the development of democracy,the phenomenon of bribery is from a phenomenon of against state interests to treason,the degree of damage to the states is increasing.Because of these bribery phenomenon,Athenians had tried to establish the anti-bribery legislation to reduce the bribery phenomenon in democratic politics.From Solon's reform,the anti-bribery legislation began to take shape.Later,according to the Solon legislation,the Athenians created some bribery regulations,such as graphe doron and eisangelia.Later,they further clarified the definition of bribery;then,they put judicial power from the Areopagus to Boule and Jury Court;finally,they had established a strict accountability system.Strengthen the monitoring of bribery by audits of accounts.The regulations of bribery not only against bribers,but promote changes in other legal procedures.The clarification of bribery definition also promoted the legal education of public.However,bribery was rooted in the social cultures of Athens,it is necessary to change the social customs of Athens to eliminate the bribery phenomenon.The paper mainly discussed the bribery phenomenon in classical Athens,including the reasons for the occurrence of bribery,the changing of bribers' behaviors and the precautions of bribery.