The Boule's Role In Athenian Democracy

Before the introduction of Athenian democracy it is hard to know the structure and organization of the boule. The boule’s principle role was that of legislation. It produced proboulematia and this in turn was submitted to the tribes where it could be amended and later ratified. At first it legislated on its own then with time it gained a wider degree in both numbers and subjects. In the boule foreign affairs was always a place of concern with matters being addressed to them and then the people of the tribes. Around the fifth century they will have the epimenloi, which some view as the presiding committee of the council and was to reflect the number of tribes or as a prosecuting commision. There was 12 tribes at the time due to Athenian influence

The boule also had a secretary which was involved in the technical side working with the boule and the people of Miletus. They helped with the election and selection process along with the managing of the citizenship. They will also have assistance for their various function that they were involved with. Have the earliest official in Hellenistic Miletus being the synedroi. However, there role is unknown but has been considered to to be seen as either a standing committee or as a commission created to deal with specific problems. They worked with other city officials and institutions. In the third century there was around 75 members and will be reduced down to 10 in the late second century. After the Hellenistic age will have the development and likely birth of the boularchos which in likelihood was seen as a ceremonial head and supervised various work projects around the city. It did not participate in the legislative process and due to its position was eagerly sought after by the elite.(Keep?) The specific members of the boule played an important role and also influenced the matters and policies of the city.