Cleisthenes
Sign in to saveCleisthenes ( ; ), or Clisthenes (), was an ancient Athenian lawgiver credited with reforming the constitution of ancient Athens and setting it on a democratic footing in 508 BC. For these accomplishments, historians refer to him as "the father of Athenian democracy". He was a member of the aristocratic Alcmaeonid clan. He was the younger son of Megacles and Agariste making him the maternal grandson of the tyrant Cleisthenes of Sicyon. He was also credited with increasing the power of the Athenian citizens' assembly and for reducing the power of the nobility over Athenian politics.
AI overview
Cleisthenes was an ancient Athenian lawgiver who restructured Athens's government around 508 BC, shifting power from the nobility to ordinary citizens and establishing democracy in the city. Historians call him "the father of Athenian democracy" because his reforms—particularly strengthening the citizens' assembly—fundamentally shaped Athens into a democratic state.
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Person
- Born
- 0570-00-00
- Died
- 0500-00-00
via Open Library + Wikidata
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Key facts
- Officeholder.name
- Cleisthenes
- Officeholder.native_name
- Κλεισθένης
Article
12 sectionsContents
- Biography
- Rise to power
- Reformations and governance of Athens
- Political reorganization
- Introduction of ostracism
- Attempt to obtain Persian support
- Citations
- References
- Primary sources
- Secondary sources
- Further reading
- External links
Cleisthenes ( ; ), or Clisthenes (), was an ancient Athenian lawgiver credited with reforming the constitution of ancient Athens and setting it on a democratic footing in 508 BC. For these accomplishments, historians refer to him as "the father of Athenian democracy". He was a member of the aristocratic Alcmaeonid clan. He was the younger son of Megacles and Agariste making him the maternal grandson of the tyrant Cleisthenes of Sicyon. He was also credited with increasing the power of the Athenian citizens' assembly and for reducing the power of the nobility over Athenian politics.
In 510 BC, Spartan hoplites helped the Athenians overthrow the tyrant Hippias, son of Peisistratus. Cleomenes I, king of Sparta, put in place a pro-Spartan oligarchy headed by Isagoras. However, Cleisthenes, with the support of the middle class and aided by democrats, took over. Cleomenes intervened in 508 and 506 BC, but could not stop Cleisthenes and his Athenian supporters. Through Cleisthenes' reforms, the people of Athens endowed their city with isonomic institutions—equal rights for all citizens (though only free men and women were citizens)—and established ostracism as a punishment.