Classical Greece People

Draco

Known for his harsh code of law in the beginning of legislation in Athens

Solon

Athenian legislator who reformed Draco’s code and made social mobility possible. Did not do land reforms

Pisistratus

Athenian ruler who took control after solon left. Did land reforms.

Kleisthenes

Athenian aristocrat and Reformer. Got the poor on his side by promising democracy. Wrote a new constitution with 4 parts

1. Expands the Boule into 10 tribes with 50 people each. This is an attempt to end factions

2. All adult males become assembly members

3. Introduced Ostracism

4. Equality of laws and freedom of speech

Lycurgus

Set up the Spartan form of government and turned them into a militaristic society. This included creating the great Rhetra. Created the Spartan constitution

Leonidus

Spartan king who lead the Greeks at the battle of Thermopylai. Died in the last stand

Archidamus

Spartan king who leads the Spartans in the Pelopenessian war.

Lysander

Spartan commander who defeated the Athenians in the naval battles

Miltiades

Athenian general who led the Greeks to victory at the Battle of Marathon against the Persians.

Themistocles

Athenian general who defeated the Persians at Salamis and built the Delain/Athenian naval force.

Cimon

Introduced Drachma and was eventually ostracized because he tried to make an alliance with Sparta.

Pericles

Started the Kleroukhies. Led Athens during the golden age and expanded its democracy and rebuilt the city including the Parthenon.

Nicius

Came after Pericles. Proposed the Peace of Nicius which would last for 50 years but it only lasted like 3.

Cleon

Came after Pericles. Advocated for an attacking strategy and war against Sparta unlike Nicius.

Alcibiades

Nephew of Pericles. Convinced Athenians to invade Sicily which went horribly. He was exiled for defecting statues and then went to Sparta an advised them to build a permanent fort in Athens.

Darius

Persian lead the first 2 invasions and lost at Marathon

Xerxes

Darius’ son who led the third invasion.

Mardonius

Persian general under Xerxes who led the Persians at Plataiai and was killed early in battle.