Ancient Athens: Key Figures, Reforms, and Political Changes

Draco (621 BCE)

Wrote Athens's first law code; laws were harsh, allowed debt slavery, and did not help common people.

Debt slavery

Practice where people who could not repay debts were forced into slavery.

600 BCE Crisis

Athens was on the brink of civil war due to inequality and unrest.

Solon (594 BCE)

Aristocrat chosen to reform Athens and reduce conflict.

Outlawed debt slavery

Solon ended the practice of enslaving people for unpaid debts.

Assembly participation

Solon allowed non-aristocrats to take part in government.

Legal charges reform

Solon allowed any citizen to bring legal charges against wrongdoers.

Overseas trade

Solon expanded trade, improving Athens's economy.

Failure to redistribute land

Solon did not give land to peasants, which kept tensions high.

Pisistratus (560 BCE)

Aristocrat who seized power and became Athens's first tyrant.

Land redistribution

Pisistratus gave land to the poor and sold it cheaply.

Merchant and industrial support

Pisistratus was supported by traders and workers.

510 BCE

Pisistratus's son lost support and was overthrown.

Oligarchy attempt

Aristocrats tried to regain power by limiting rule to a few elites.

Cleisthenes

Aristocratic reformer who blocked the oligarchy and pushed Athens toward democracy.