when a similar republic existed in Sicily and the year was divided
into three seasons only. (For interesting details concerning the
employment and spread of a year of three seasons in ancient times,
see Hewitt, _op. cit._ Preface XVI, vol. I.)

In Grote's history we learn that after the establishment of the
first Athenian democracy by Kleisthenes and the victory they gained
over the Boeotians and Chalkidians, the Athenians _planted a body of
four thousand_ of their citizens as kleruchs (lot-holders) or
settlers upon the lands of the wealthy conquered Chalkidians. This
is a system which we shall find hereafter extensively followed out
by the Athenians in the days of their power; partly with a view of
providing for their poorer citizens, partly to serve as garrison
among a population either hostile or of doubtful fidelity. These
Attic kleruchs did not lose their birthright as Athenian citizens:
they were not colonists in the Grecian sense and they are known by a
totally different name--but they corresponded very nearly to the
colonies formally planted out on the conquered lands by Rome. The
increase of the poorer population was always more or less painfully
felt in every Grecian city ... the numerous kleruchies sent out by
Athens, of which this to Euboea was the first, arose in a great
measure out of the multiplication of the poorer population, which
her extended power was employed in providing for ... (_op. cit._
vol. 4, p. 171). The number "four thousand" specially designated is
of particular interest because the letter of the Greek alphabet
expressing it was the delta, in the form of a triangle or pyramid,
which also signified "the fourth" or "a quarter." The ideas
suggested by these facts are: that the foundation of such a colony
would have been commemorated by the building of a pyramid by the
conquered race, the division of labor amongst them preparing the way
for the institution of a social organization on the familiar plan
(_cf._ p. 273). It is only when we reflect what an admirable means
of establishing communal life and activity the mere act of building
under direction and guidance must have been, that we appreciate the
fine wisdom of the ancient kings, civilizers and culture-heroes, who
were, first of all,