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You are in the Archaic period of Greek History.You experienced the rise of the city states and saw the transition from the oligarchy to the tyrants. Then can trace democracy with these key Athenian leaders: Draco, Solon, Cleisthenes. and Pericles. You read the text, supplementary material on these leaders and then you choose ONE to write about in detail. .You are to write about their successful careers as Athenian leaders. This assignment will give you some insight into the leadership of Athens a key city state in ancient Greek history.

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Cleisthenes: Architect of Athenian Democracy

During the Archaic period of Greece, Athens, like many other city-states, underwent a dramatic transformation. Witnessing the rise of city-states from the ashes of the Dark Ages, I saw the shift from oligarchic rule by the elite to the rise of tyrants who promised a change in power dynamics. However, it was Cleisthenes, a key Athenian leader, who truly revolutionized Athenian society by laying the foundation for the world’s first democracy.  

Cleisthenes, born into Athenian nobility around 570 BCE, emerged during a period of political unrest. The Athenians had recently ousted the tyrannical rule of the Pisistratid family, leaving behind a power vacuum. Cleisthenes, known for his political acumen and innovative spirit, saw this as an opportunity to reshape Athenian politics.  

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His most significant achievement was the creation of a new political system in 507 BCE. Prior to this, Athenian society was divided into four tribes based on kinship and location. These divisions created a system where power remained concentrated in the hands of a select few families. Cleisthenes, recognizing the limitations of this system, proposed a radical reform.  

He dismantled the old tribal system and replaced it with ten new “demes.” These demes were not based on kinship or social status but on geographical location. Cleisthenes further divided these demes into three tiers: city (asty), coast (paralia), and inland (mesogeia). This new system ensured a more balanced distribution of power across Athens, breaking the hold of the old aristocracy.

Cleisthenes’ reforms did not stop there. He established the Council of Five Hundred (Boule), a representative body with 50 members from each deme. This council held significant power, including proposing laws and overseeing the Athenian government. Additionally, he created the system of ostracism, allowing Athenian citizens to vote to exile individuals deemed a threat to democracy.  

Cleisthenes’ reforms were not without opposition. The old aristocracy saw their power diminished and fiercely resisted the changes. However, Cleisthenes, by appealing to the common people and highlighting the benefits of a more inclusive system, managed to secure his reforms.  

Cleisthenes’ legacy is undeniable. His system of demes, councils, and ostracism laid the groundwork for Athenian democracy, a system that would inspire generations to come. He is rightly known as the “Father of Athenian Democracy” for his vision, courage, and commitment to creating a government that empowered the Athenian people

 

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