Project

Valerie Friar

Ellie Hollin

Sofia Morello

Madison Remeto

The Greek Leaders

Draco was an Athenian lawgiver who punished simple crimes with things as harsh as death. He was the first recorded legislator of Athens in Ancient Greece. Instead of using the system of oral laws, he used a written code that could only be enforced by a court. The citizens of Athens thought it would be a great idea to give someone the position of a law giver, but they were unaware of the harsh laws Draco would be establishing. His laws included things such as, murder and involuntary homicide, and debt slavery as a way to repay debts.

Solon (594 BCE)

The second leader of Greece that began to make significant reforms in Greek society is Solon. Solon was born in Athens some time around 638 BCE. His family moderately wealthy and he a brother named Dropides. He came into power in 594 BCE as the archon of Greece.

Cleisthenes (508 BCE)

Isagoras ostracized Cleisthenes while he was still in power.  The citizens and Cleisthenes supporters were fed up with Isagoras tyrannical rule.  For the first time in “government history” there was a revolt against the head of goverment.  Cleisthenes was a member of the aristocratic society.  He was very wealthy and rich but lead as a crafty politician.   His reign over Greece brought a new reign in politics because he saw the potential of other classes other than just the rich and well off.  In his goverment all CITIZENS could participate in goverment.  The criteria of becoming a citizen meant you must be: male, an adult, not enslaved (free), and a property owner.  This was a big step in their society but still only included one-fifth of the population.  This was called a direct democracy because the people directly affected the society

Hippias of Athens  (527 BCE)

Hippias was a tyrant of Athens around 527 to 510 BCE. His brother, who may have ruled together with him, was murdered. After executing his brother’s murderer, he became a cruel ruler. He executed a large amount of citizens and imposed harsh taxes on the citizens of Athens. Hippias’ cruelty made most of Athen’s citizens feel unsafe. When he began to lose his government  control, he formed an alliance with the Persian king, King Darius I by making his daughter marry the Persian king’s son. This relationship gave Hippias access to Darius’ court. In 510 BCE, Cleomenes I of Sparta invaded Athens and trapped Hippias on the acropolis. The Spartans forced Hippias to leave Athens and flee to Persia. The Persians threatened to attack Athens if they did not accept Hippias back and be a tyrant again. The Athenians preferred to remain democratic and ignored Persia’s warnings. The Persians encouraged king Darius to attack Athens and Hippias came along and suggested that Marathon should be the place where the Persian fleet invaded first.