The Massalia Pólis and its Organisation: from Oligarchy to Moderate Aristocracy

Abstract

This article is an attempt to describe the political organization of Massalia in the antique period, especially its evolution from moderate oligarchy to moderate aristocracy. The civil community of Massalia was mixed, and included also representatives of the local notables. Massalia was famous for its laws as well as its court system. As far as the revenues of the state were concerned, it was a tradition in Massalia to use the property census for this purpose.