[POSTPONED] A Look at Research - Interview with Vincent Azoulay

Presentation, Literary encounter Culture, Publishing and distribution, School life, Promotion
15, October 2026Saint-Martin-d'Hères - University Campus
[Event Postponed] Come listen to an interview with Vincent Azoulay, professor of ancient history and director of studies at EHESS, who will present his book *When the People Tamed the Elites: Honors and Punishments in Athenian Democracy*

Meeting Research

Series of talks at the UFR ARSH library—1st semester, 26–27

> Thursday, October 15, 2026 – 4:00 p.m. – UFR ARSH Library
A conversation with Vincent Azoulay, professor of ancient history and director of studies at EHESS, who will present his book*When the People Tamed the Elites: Honors and Punishments in Athenian Democracy*

How can we prevent power from being seized by the elites?
The Athenians had found the answer: honors and punishments were inseparable from the sovereignty of the people.
Citizens did not merely deliberate among themselves; they also ensured that their politicians were both punished and rewarded. Orators and magistrates could be alternately celebrated, crowned, then castigated, prosecuted, convicted, or—for the luckiest among them—merely ridiculed on stage. Thanks to this dual system of distinction and oversight, Athenian democracy managed to avoid any oligarchic takeover for nearly two centuries.
Through a vivid investigation drawing on judicial speeches, honorary inscriptions, and comic attacks, the author uncovers the profound and hitherto overlooked mechanisms of Athenian political life.
At a time when contemporary democracies are plagued by doubt, this book invites us to rethink the potential of democracy when it is not reduced to public debate alone, but also equips itself with the means to judge the worthiness of those who claim to govern it.

Published on September 14, 2026
Updated on October 13, 2026