ecclesia

Citizens' assembly in ancient Greece. In Athens it was attended by any male over the age of 18, both of whose parents were Athenian citizens. It met 40 times a year on the hill known as the Pnyx, and was presided over by a committee of the democratic council.

Originally convened by kings or magistrates to decide on war and peace, its powers increased from 594 BC. Under democracy, it developed into the major instrument of legislation and government.