In ancient Syracuse Petalism was a form of banishment similar to ostracism in Athens. In a special vote, citizens wrote on leaves (Greek "petala," "leaves,") the names of those they wished to banish from public life. In Athens, names were written on "ostraka," "potsherds." A certain number of such votes could send the victim into exile. The Greek word "petalismos" is used by the historian who reports the practice, Diodorus Siculus (Book 11.86).
This article incorporates text from the public domain 1907 edition of The Nuttall Encyclopædia.