Le funzioni dei syllogeis tou demou ad Atene nel IV secolo a.C. attraverso la testimonianza della legge di Nicofonte

In a section of the athenian law of Nicophon, along with the sitophylakes and the epimeletai tou emporiou, the syllogeis tou demou are referred to as magistrates with the competence to receive charges against vendors who refuse to accept coins verified by the dokimastes and to decide such disputes up to a value of ten drachmae (SEG. XXVI 72 ll. 16-26). While similar functions can be confirmed from other testimonies with regard to the first two offices mentioned, the reference of the syllogeis tou demou is particularly problematic, since indications of such a capacity cannot be found in any other - moreover scarce - sources. Taking into account the ll. 13-16 of the inscription in question, which entrusts the syllogeis with punishing dokimastes not correctly exercising their duties, we can infer possible explanations of the role and functions occupied by these magistrates in Athens at the time the law was enacted.