AGORA  , originally, in

primitive times, the assembly of the Greek people, convoked by the king or one of his nobles . The right of speech and vote was restricted to the nobles, the people being permitted to express their opinion only by signs of applause or disapproval . The word then came to be used for the place where assemblies were held, and thus from its convenience as a meeting-place the agora became in most of the cities of Greece the general resort for public and especially commercial inter-course, corresponding in general with the Roman forum . At Athens, with the increase of commerce and political interest, it was found advisable to call public meetings at the Pnyx or the temple of Dionysus; but the important assemblies, such as meetings for ostracism, were held in the agora . In the best days of Greece the agora was the place where nearly all public traffic was conducted . It was most frequented in the forenoon, and then only by men . Slaves did the greater part of the purchasing, though even the noblest citizens of Athens did not scruple to buy and sell there . Citizens were allowed a free market; foreigners and metics had to pay a toll . Public festivals also were celebrated in the open area of the agora . At Athens the agora of classical times was adorned with trees planted by Cimon; around if numerous public buildings were erected, such as the council chamber and the law courts (for its topography, see ATHENS) . Pausanias (especially vi . 24) is the great architectural authority on the agorae of various Greek cities, and details are also given by Vitruvius (v .

1) .