What was necessary for the Assembly to convene in Athenian democracy?

In Athenian democracy, the Assembly, known as the "Ekklesia," required a minimum of 6,000 citizens to convene. This number was significant as it represented the threshold necessary for achieving a quorum, allowing for the proper functioning and decision-making of this governing body. The 6,000 citizens were needed to ensure that the Assembly could effectively represent the broader population and make decisions that aligned with democratic principles.

The requirement of 6,000 reflects the cultural and political emphasis the Athenians placed on participatory governance, ensuring that deliberative discussions and votes occurred with ample representation from the citizen body. This minimum threshold was essential for maintaining the genuineness and legitimacy of the democratic process in Athens, as decisions affecting the entire city-state should involve a substantial portion of its citizenry.