Higher classical studies

Ostracism was a system used to remove unpopular politicians.

A vote to decide if they wanted an ostracism was be held once a year in the assembly. If they agreed to hold one, each citizen present wrote the name of any politician he wished to see banished on a piece of pottery, called an ostracon.

They were not charged with anything and could not defend themselves. The votes were then put into large pots, the vote was…