Study Notes on Cleisthenes and Athenian Democracy

After Hippias fled to Persia, many nobles who had been exiled by Pisistratus returned to Athens.
The return of these nobles marked the end of tyranny in Athens.
Isagoras was elected as archon in 508 BC.

Isagoras was an eponymous archon (a ceremonial position in Athens).
He was a rival of Cleisthenes, who was the grandson of a tyrant from the city-state Sicion.
The family of Cleisthenes, the Alkmaionids, was cursed, impacting their political standing.
Isagoras accused Cleisthenes of not being a true noble, reflecting the tension between the aristocracy and newly emerging power structures.

Cleisthenes sought to reform Athenian governance by aligning with the demos (the common people).
Promised major reforms that would enhance political participation for the commoners, surpassing the earlier reforms of Solon.

Isagoras, feeling threatened by Cleisthenes, sought help from Cleomenes, the Spartan king, to remove Cleisthenes and his followers.
Spartan intervention resulted in the exile of Cleisthenes and his allies from Athens.
Athenians opposed this intervention, leading to civil unrest, culminating in a siege against Isagoras and Cleomenes on the Acropolis.

Athenian governance began to evolve under Cleisthenes’ influence towards democracy.
Previously, Athenian tribes were divided mainly along aristocratic lines, but Cleisthenes reformed this structure.

Cleisthenes established a new division of the populace into ten tribes named after Athenian heroes (e.g., Heracles, Perseus).
Each tribe was subdivided into smaller units known as demes, promoting inclusivity and regional representation.
This change fostered a stronger sense of belonging among Athenians and reduced aristocratic bias.

Each of the ten tribes comprised three geographic districts: city, coast, and inland regions.
A total of 100 demes existed within Attica.
Village life remained largely unchanged, allowing local governance and autonomy under elected officials, known as demarchs.

The demarch (mayor) of each deme was elected annually, reinforcing local governance and participation.
A list of citizens was maintained, adding new male citizens upon reaching the age of 18, guaranteeing their participation as citizens.
Transition from membership in phraties (clans) to more democratic deme membership.

Cleisthenes expanded the council (Boule) from 400 to 500 members, with representation from each of the ten tribes.
The Boule managed administrative tasks and prepared legislation for the Ecclesia, the assembly of citizens.
The Boule met in the Agora and was instrumental in shaping Athenian policy.

Citizens over the age of 30 were eligible to serve in the Boule; however, the poor were often unable to participate due to financial constraints of not having stipends.
The Boule's daily affairs were managed by a rotating group of 50 counselors chosen by lot, representing each tribe.

The Ecclesia was composed of all male citizens over 18 who could speak and vote on various issues presented by the Boule.
Important decisions made by the Ecclesia included laws, elections, and penalties.
The gathering points in Athens for these assemblies were at notable locations such as the Pnyx hill.

The practice of ostracism was introduced as a measure to prevent the rise of oppressive figures.
Citizens could vote to exile someone they deemed dangerous, using ostraca (pieces of pottery) to record their votes.
A minimum of 6,000 votes was typically required for an ostracism to take effect, with the exiled individual facing a ten-year banishment without loss of property or citizenship.

Each tribe would provide one hoplite regiment, totaling ten for the city of Athens.
Each regiment had a general, known as a strategos, who was elected annually by the Ecclesia.
The strategoi gained prominence in military and political structures as they could be re-elected during times of war, signifying their importance in Athenian governance.

Cleisthenes' reforms laid the groundwork for greater citizen participation in Athenian democracy by restructuring political divisions and creating institutions aimed at representing the populace.
The changes from aristocratic affiliations to tribal ones fostered unity among the Athenian people, who were now more closely tied to their local communities than to noble families.
Understanding this shift is fundamental for comprehending the evolution of democracy in ancient Athens, its contrasts with Spartan governance, and its eventual implications in historical context.