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

2. 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

3. Government Structure: The Archaic Period
Dark Ages : 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

4. 675-650 BCE new battle tactics were invented
Changes in Warfare
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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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!