The History of Ancient Greece

The Greek world was likely astunned by Athens' defeat to Syracuse, as it had been by their victory against the Persians at Marathon almost 70 years earlier. For many of their allies, and their enemies, the myth of naval superiority that had allowed them to hold their empire together was now shattered. In times of crisis, especially during war, democracies throughout history have often voluntarily voted to put limitations on their exercise of power. And this is exactly what happened at Athens in late 413 BC. The terrified and uneasy Athenian people voted to appoint a board of Tenprobuloi, or counselors, made up of one man from each of the Ten Attic tribes.