Argos, a city in the region of Argolis on the Peloponnese Peninsula of Greece, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Dating back to at least 7000 BC, Argos is not only an archaeological treasure trove but also a cradle of cultural and political developments that have had far-reaching influences on Western civilization.

Early History and Origins of Argos

The origins of Argos are deeply entwined with myth and legend, with many attributing the founding of the city to Phoroneus, who, according to Greek mythology, was the first king of Argos. His creation of the city, referred to as Phoronicon Asty or the “City of Phoroneus,” marks the beginning of one of Greece’s most influential city-states.

One of the earliest rulers, King Inachos, son of the primordial gods Oceanus and Tethys, further solidified Argos’s status. Inachos is believed to have arrived in the region in 1876 BC, possibly after leading a group of refugees from Egypt. This connection to Egyptian lore highlights the interconnectedness of early Mediterranean cultures, as well as Argos’s strategic importance in the Aegean world.

Political Influence and the Rise of Laws

Argos’s role in shaping ancient Greece is significant not only for its mythological roots but also for its early contributions to governance and law. The city was central to the development of the Greek city-state, or polis, and it was in Argos that some of the earliest known forms of law were enacted.

One of the pivotal figures in this legal evolution was Draco, a lawgiver from Athens who is often credited with the creation of the first written laws in ancient Greece. Although Draco’s laws were notorious for their harshness—hence the term “draconian”—the process of codifying laws in writing was a crucial step toward the legal systems that would later shape modern Western jurisprudence. Although Draco was an Athenian, the intellectual and legal exchange between Greek cities like Argos, Athens, and Sparta was pivotal to the development of legal thought throughout Greece and the wider Mediterranean.

Cultural Legacy and the Arts

Beyond governance, Argos was renowned for its contributions to the arts, particularly sculpture. The city became home to some of the most famous sculptors in ancient Greece, including Polykleitos, whose works influenced the ideals of classical Greek sculpture, such as the depiction of human proportion and balance. The Doryphoros (Spear Bearer), one of Polykleitos’s most famous sculptures, embodies the ideal of symmetria, or harmonious proportions, which later served as a template for Roman art and Western classical aesthetics.

Moreover, Argos was a major center for theater and drama. While Athens is traditionally credited with the birth of Western theater, Argos played a significant role in the development of dramatic arts, hosting festivals in honor of Dionysus. These festivals, known as Dionysia, were not just cultural events but also occasions for political expression and the exploration of moral and societal laws through performance.

Laws of Argos and Their Influence Today

The development of laws in Argos, particularly through the larger context of ancient Greek legal systems, laid the groundwork for modern Western legal practices. The concepts of justice, democracy, and civic responsibility that were explored in Argos and other city-states would later inform Roman law and, by extension, the legal systems of modern Western nations.

One key aspect of Greek law that found its way into modern systems was the idea of written laws accessible to the public. In ancient Greece, laws were not meant to be arbitrary decrees of kings, but codified rules that governed all citizens. In Argos, like other Greek cities, the idea of public participation in legal processes emerged, with citizens having the right to bring their disputes before courts.

Moreover, the democratic ideals developed in Argos, and particularly Athens, played a crucial role in shaping political thought in the West. These principles of popular sovereignty, equality before the law, and participatory governance would eventually influence the structure of modern democracies, including the establishment of representative governments and civil rights.

Conclusion: Argos and Its Enduring Legacy

Argos, one of the oldest cities in Europe, played a central role in the cultural, political, and artistic development of ancient Greece. Its influence is felt not only in the realms of art and architecture but also in the creation of the legal and political frameworks that underpin much of the modern world. The city’s early legal experiments, its participation in the development of democratic ideals, and its enduring artistic contributions have left an indelible mark on Western civilization.

Today, when we look at the legal systems, democratic principles, and cultural achievements of the Western world, we see the echoes of ancient Argos in every corner. From the legal codes that govern our societies to the democratic systems that empower our governments, the legacy of this ancient city continues to shape our world.