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The Development of Democracy in Athens. Early Athens. Evolved from monarchy to aristocracy Eupatrids - Sons of good fathers Discontent with aristocracy 632BCE- Kylon attempted Tyranny- put down by people of Athens 620BCE- Draco(n )- snake- set down the traditional laws of Athens.
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Early Athens • Evolved from monarchy to aristocracy • Eupatrids- Sons of good fathers • Discontent with aristocracy • 632BCE- Kylon attempted Tyranny- put down by people of Athens • 620BCE- Draco(n)- snake- set down the traditional laws of Athens
Solon • 594BCE- Solon becomes Archon- chosen to restructure the political and economic systems of Athens as he saw fit • Aristocrat, but not wealthy • Trusted by both rich and poor
The Reforms of SolonDebt Slavery • Elimination of debt slavery- those unjustly enslaved • Freed all current debt slaves in Athens • Bought back Athenians sold abroad • Abolished any further debt slavery
Economic Reforms • No Export other than olive oil (food price control) • Fathers must teach sons a trade • Sons must support fathers in their old age
Political Reforms • Substituted wealth for birth as criterion for holding office • Wealth based on land production • Council of 400 established • 100 men from each of the 4 traditional tribes of Athens • Council debate and vetted issues before sending to assembly for a vote • Assembly would interpret laws and vote on issues sent to it • Thetes (lowest class of free men) allowed to attend assembly • Right to appeal judicial decisions of Archons to the Council
Rewrote Laws of Drakon • Eliminated death penalty except for murder and manslaughter • Made most punishments much less harsh
Tyranny of Pisistratus • Began in 560BCE • Gained support of poor through economic and other reforms • Reduced power of aristocratic families • Building projects • Supported cults
Cleisthenes • 525BCE- Cleisthenes becomes Archon • Begins series of reforms