What was the council of five hundred?

The Council of Five Hundred, or Boule, was a key institution in ancient Athens responsible for the administration of the city-state. Composed of 500 citizens, selected by lot, it prepared the agenda for the Assembly, managed public finances, and oversaw various governmental functions. Each of the ten Athenian tribes contributed 50 members to the council, ensuring a broad representation of the populace. This body played a crucial role in the development of Athenian democracy, facilitating citizen participation in governance.