Athenian Tribes

In ancient Athens, the population was organized into ten tribes, known as "phylai." Each tribe included citizens from different regions of Attica, promoting diversity and unity. The tribes played a vital role in Athenian democracy, particularly in the assembly and military. Members of each tribe participated in decision-making and were responsible for selecting representatives for various offices. This system helped balance power among citizens and encouraged civic involvement. The tribes also fostered a sense of identity and loyalty among their members, essential for maintaining social cohesion in a vibrant city-state.