Coming out of the Ekklesiastirion, we enter the Assembly Hall and immediately visitors, conservators and researchers connect the sanctity of the venue with the political scene. Perhaps here "politics" treat the passions and offer an antidote. Maybe participating in politics was once equivalent to religious rituals. Or perhaps healing the city is related to a political resolve? Most probably they complete each other. The name "Vouleftirion" comes from the word "vouli", meaning will and decision. From Homer to the classical times, "vouli" means an end, an intention. The Vouleftirion defines the goal, the intention of the city, characterizing it. Here in Ancient Messene its presence is decisive and showcases the citizens' intention: they assemble, discuss, exchange ideas, suggest political solutions.
Research archaeologists are looking to discover through inscriptions, coins and hero's monuments the way decisions – the so-called "voules" – in favour or against were made. The negotiation of aims and ideas, desires and intentions in Ancient Messene create an early form of Parliamentarism, constituting a small regional democracy.
This hall is the exclusive meeting room of 76 attendants, the city representatives of autonomous Messenia. Here the significant decisions are made, around a 56 m long table decorated with lion claws at two legs. They deliberate on it and are called to decide upon issues relevant to the state: sovereignty, defence and protection, reinforcement of fortifications, erecting "heroons" i.e. the monuments dedicated to heroes that fell for their city. The building is covered by a square roof 20.80 m by 21.60 m, supported by four pillars. As a structure, it is very different from present day parliaments but its significance is great due to the era and the role it played.
