We have information on the social organization of Athens during the Classical period, but since we know little about the social division of the Greeks known as the genos in the Archaic period, there is only speculation. In a fragment of the Constitution of the Athenians it is said that the Athenian citizenry was divided into 360 gene, each comprised of 30 men. Thirty gene were joined together to form a trittys or phratry.

The most widely accepted theory is that the gene were the archaic aristocracy (the Eupatridai). Each genos was not a true family, but one based on a common, if fictitious ancestor. In the oikos family was true consanguinity.

Solon transformed Athenian society by making wealth the criterion for political power instead of birth.

In the Classical period, the gene became cultural organizations responsible for maintaining religion. In the fourth century "they were hereditary groups based on descent in the male line ... of a father who belonged to a genos being in principle admitted shortly after birth." The gene appointed officials, kept records, owned property, and spent part of their revenue on the religious and sacrificial practices they were expected to carry out.

Source: Athenian Religion, by Robert Parker. Oxford: Clarendon Press. 1996.

Also see

The Four Tribes Feature
Cylon and Draco Feature
Solon and Croesus
Names of the Gene

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