The Hall of Twelve
Halfway uphill between the agora and Temple Hill, perched on a vegetation-covered cliff overlooking almost the entire city, stands the city’s government building. This is where the Twelve meet daily for the administration of the city. The chosen sages have their space here to discuss important decisions to keep Meletis as the center of civilization. The building is organized around a hall covered by a dome where the plenum of the Twelve meets. On its east side a huge garden terrace, with statues, fresh water ditches and even a gazebo, offers views over the city and serves for more informal get-togethers between members of the government and other officials. Musicians of proven fame are sometimes hired to liven up outdoor gatherings. It is not uncommon to see Perisophia chatting with a guest under one of the bougainvillea-covered trellises if the heat permits. Each of the 12 wise men is constantly
accompanied by a prosectikos, a special guard with the dual function of protecting and guarding the ruler against any attempt to attack his integrity, physical or moral. The position is of high prestige and they are usually chosen from among the members of the Reverent Army of proven loyalty. The remaining halls house archives and offices for the Twelve and other high officials. The government uses the building as a base for their constant work in the city, and although they always spend a few hours in it, they can usually be seen at any point in the polis where they are needed.
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