Herodotus, Histories chapter 5 section 62-78 In-Depth Notes on the Athenian Struggle Against Despotism and Rise of Cleisthenes

  • Introduction to Historical Conflict

    • Hipparchus was slain, leading to discord in Athens
    • Hippias, his brother, grew increasingly hostile towards the Athenians due to the death of Hipparchus.

  • Alcmeonidae's Attempt to Reclaim Athens

    • The Alcmeonidae family, previously banished, aimed to return and liberate Athens but failed initially.
    • They fortified Lipsydrium in north Paeonia and hired themselves to the Amphictyons for building the temple at Delphi.
    • They enhanced the temple design and bribed the Pythian priestess to compel Spartans to assist against the Pisistratids.

  • Spartan Intervention

    • Spartans, adhering to divine will, sent Anchimolius with an army to expel the Pisistratids.
    • Despite receiving help from Thessalians, the Pisistratids managed to defeat the Lacedaemonians in battle.
    • The initial Spartan effort led by Anchimolius failed, and the Pisistratid family remained fortified.

  • Cleomenes' Campaign Against Pisistratids

    • A larger Spartan force led by Cleomenes was sent over land to attack Athens.
    • The Alcmeonidae's side faced further challenges as the Pisistratids received alliances from Thessalian cavalry.
    • The siege began, but lack of provisions limited Spartan efforts and ultimately led to a temporary withdrawal.

  • The Role of Cleisthenes

    • Cleisthenes, a key figure in Athenian politics, drew on tactics from his maternal grandfather.
    • After gaining power, Cleisthenes restructured Athenian society by dividing citizens into ten tribes (instead of four).
    • He aimed to reduce the influence of traditional aristocracy by including common people in governance.

  • Opposition and Conflict

    • Isagoras, a political rival to Cleisthenes, sought to regain power by soliciting Spartan help.
    • Cleomenes demanded Cleisthenes’ banishment, labeling him and others as the "Accursed".
    • Historical context of backlash against the Alcmeonidae, tracing back to earlier disputes involving Cylon, an Athenian.

  • Aftermath of the Conflict

    • Cleisthenes and other nobles were initially banished but later recalled.
    • In the wake of conflict with Sparta, Athens sought an alliance with Persia, offering "earth and water".
    • Cleomenes, harboring resentment, gathered troops with the intent of overpowering Athens but faced disunity among the allied forces.

  • Concluding Notes on Athenian Resilience

    • Despite significant military challenges and societal upheaval, Athens emerged stronger without despots.
    • The Athenians achieved notable victories against the Chalcidians and Boeotians, indicating a rise in their military capabilities.
    • The growth of Athenian power highlighted a lesson on the positive effects of equality and self-governance, allowing citizens to strive for their own success rather than being subordinate to tyrants.