Meaning of lexiarch | Babel Free

Definitions

In ancient Athens: someone whose role it was to ensure that only citizens entered the ecclesia ("the public legislative assembly of the Athenians").

historical

Examples

“Meantime a number⟳ of the Scythian archers, under the command of a lexiarch, had stretched a rope around the Agora in such a manner, that only the street leading to the hill of Pnyx was left free—an old custom, whose sole object was to remind⟳ the Athenians, who liked to linger gossipping in the market-place, what way they were to take⟳.”

“After the archonship of Solon all Athenians over the age of eighteen were eligible to attend⟳ the assembly, save⟳ those who for some reason⟳ had suffered atimia (loss of civil rights). To prevent⟳ the presence of any disqualified persons, six lexiarchs with thirty assistants were present⟳ with the deme-rolls in their hands.”

“Under the presidency of the prytanic tribe they co-operated with the six lexiarchs to control⟳ entries into the Assembly.”

“They went through the streets and the markets, carrying vermillion cord, marking those who were late, and who could no longer come⟳ up to the lexiarch to get⟳ their attendance voucher.”

CEFR level