The Age of Tyrants & Foundations of Democratic Rule Government in Greece The Age of Tyrants & Foundations of Democratic Rule

The Age of Tyrants Early Greek states centred on a main town in a valley area Over 300 city-states- most were very small City-states often fought amongst themselves – rarely agreed on anything One advantage – Greeks became very good at warfare and developed superior tactics and excellent weapons

Government Structure: The Archaic Period Dark Ages : 1200 BCE – 800 BCE Governments were usually monarchies King was judge, administrator & sometimes even the chief priest Not absolute rulers & not hereditary During Dark Ages the aristocracy became more powerful – limited Kings power In some states, the king was replaced by aristocratic families Overtime, power became vested with a few wealthy individuals who ruled with the support of the military – this is called an oligarchy (Greek for rule by the few) Oligarchs could be harsh and cruel Only wealthy aristocrats could afford the arms to supply a military

675-650 BCE new battle tactics were invented Changes in Warfare 675-650 BCE new battle tactics were invented Large numbers of heavily soldiers (hoplites) would be organized in a phalanx (columns 6-10 deep) and move in a unified manner Large number of soldiers meant wealthy citizens were needed to fight along side aristrocrats These wealthy individuals began demanding more political power in return for their support

Periander of Corinth (son of Cypselus) Tyrants Periander of Corinth (son of Cypselus) 657 BCE – Cypselus of Corinth defeated the ruling nobles in battle and seized power – became the first tyrant (one who seizes power unconstitutionally) Tyrants could be both good and bad

Democracy in Athens: Solon Athens avoided tyranny Developed written laws and appointed special magistrate – archon Solve problems between aristocrats and commoners 594 BCE – Solon appointed archon Implemented many reforms Forbid slavery for debtors Allowed all wealthy men to run for highest government office Created council of 400 comprised of 100 citizens for the 4 clans of Athens – became a Citizen Assembly

Cleisthenes Establishes Democracy In 546 BCE Peisistratus (noble) seizes power in Athens & becomes tyrant Upon his death his son Hippias becomes ruler Hippias loses support and is forced into exile by the Spartans Cleisthenes – a nobleman – created 10 new tribes of Athens and replaced old council of 400 with new council of 500, 50 members elected from each of 10 tribes Each tribe would elect a general Ostacism – council could exile any individual it felt was tying to become a tyrant for 10 years The foundation of democracy had been laid!