Ostraka are pieces of pottery or stone that were used in ancient Greece, particularly during the Classical period. They often featured inscriptions, such as names or political messages, and were commonly used for voting in the practice of ostracism. This process allowed citizens to exile individuals deemed a threat to the state by writing their names on these fragments. The use of ostraka was a democratic tool, enabling the people of Athens to participate in governance. By casting votes on these shards, citizens could express their opinions and influence political decisions, reflecting the values of civic engagement in ancient Greek society.