prytaneis

The prytaneis were a group of 50 citizens from each of the ten tribes of Athens who served as the executive body of the Athenian boule. This council of 500, the boule, prepared legislation for the Athenian assembly and oversaw administrative affairs. The prytaneis, drawn by lot from the boule, served for one tenth of the year, a period known as a prytany. During their term, the prytaneis were responsible for presiding over the boule and the assembly, calling meetings, and ensuring the smooth functioning of the government. The chairman of the prytaneis, the epistates, was chosen by lot daily and held significant power, including the right to preside over the assembly and to have custody of the city's keys and the state seal. The prytaneis lived and dined together in the tholos, a circular building in the agora, and were considered to be in continuous session. This system ensured that a rotating group of citizens was always responsible for the day-to-day governance of Athens, promoting a broad base of participation in the city's political life.