Pentacosiomedimni

The pentacosiomedimni or pentakosiomedimnoi (Greek: πεντακοσιομέδιμνοι) were the top class of citizens in ancient Athens after the political reforms of Solon. The pentacosiomedimni were those whose property or estate could produce 500 medimnoi of wet or dry goods (or their equivalent), per year. They were eligible for all top positions of government in Athens. These were:

• 9 archons and treasurers
• Council of Areopagus (as ex-archons)
• Council of 400
• Ecclesia

The pentacosiomedimni could also serve as generals (strategoi) in the Athenian army.

See also

• Aristoi, the aristocracy of ancient Athens, of whom the pentacosiomedimni would have joined after the reform
• Hippeis, who had at least 300 medimnoi (or their equivalent) as yearly income
• Zeugitae, who were possessors of a yoke of oxen, with at least 200 medimnoi (or their equivalent) as yearly income
• Thetes, who were workers for wages, or had less than 200 medimnoi (or their equivalent) as yearly income
• Solon, the reformer who established the pentacosiomedimni

References

• Smith, William (1889). A Smaller History of Greece: From the Earliest Times to the Roman Conquest. New York, New York: Harper Books. p. 32. ISBN 1-4326-6588-X.