La democracia y el Areópago en la segunda mitad del s. IV a.C.: del Areopagítico de Isócrates al caso de Hárpalo

In this article I address the question of whether, during the second half of fourth century B.C., the Areopagus was an institution opponent to democracy and, moreover, a refuge of Philip’s supporters or of the oligarchy. I will analyse our sources from Isocrates’ Areopagiticus (358 B.C.) to the Greek defeat during the Lamian War. Evidences lead to conclude that the Areopagus was an important advisory body, always subordinated to the Assembly, that was taken into account in critical moments when deciding to save the city.