On The Structure of Greek Tribal Society: An Essay

The essay traces survivals of tribal institutions within ancient Greek social structure, examining kinship bonds, duties of maintenance and succession, and liabilities for bloodshed. It analyzes degrees and limits of kinship, inheritance rules, the position of widows and daughters, and practices of adoption and introduction of new members. It explores the relation of family to land through concepts such as the klēros, oikos, and temenos, and marshals Homeric and Hesiodic evidence alongside comparative material from other tribal traditions to illuminate continuities. The conclusion synthesizes this evidence to argue for the persistence of tribal patterns amid later civic developments.