Tyranny To Democracy - Solon + Peisistratus + Hippias And Hiparchus Flashcards
Source for Athens? (Solon and Peisistratids)
Aristotle, the Athenian constitution
Is Aristotle a good source for this period?
Positive:
- uses other sources
- is trying to write an accurate account
- is well informed
Negative:
- lives two centuries after the events he is describing
- used Herodotus as a major source, just repeating what he says.
- sources were often oral, changed over time
- aristocratic background, disapproves of tyranny and democracy
When did Solon introduce reforms?
594
What were Solon’s reforms?
- 9 archons in total who held their position for a year. Selected from top two classes.
- Areopagus which was a council of ex archons who served for life and acted as judges in high profile cases and guarded the law.
- Boule which was a council of 400 male citizens who advised the ecclesia and for day to day running of the city. This was only open to the top three classes.
- Ecclesia which was an assembly of all citizens who completed 2 years of military service, they all voted on matters of the state but had little power.
What was Peisistratus described as and by who?
Aristotle tells us in the Athenian constitution that Peisistratus was “compassionate, merciful and inclined to pardon those who had done wrong” and “lent money to those in need.”
How did Peisistratus gain power?
He seized power through trickery and deceit. Aristotle tells us that he enlisted the help of Megacles who spread the word that “Athena was restoring Peisistratus” to the tyranny. The people then “fell down and worshipped him and revived him with admiration.”
What did Peisistratus do to improve the lives of the Athenians?
- created travelling judges so that the poor didn’t have to travel for justice.
- granted loans to enable farmers to stay on farms, increasing food production.
- encouraged planting of olives which was a money-making crop.
- built many large scale buildings such as a temple to Athena creating jobs. These jobs were also for public use making life more enjoyable.
- He also introduced the Panathenaic festival and the city Dionysia.
What did Aristotle say about how Peisistratus treated the Athenians?
“He always provided peace and saw to it that there were quiet”
Hippias and Hipparchus’ projects
- Hippias minted new coins, making trade with Attica easier
- Hippias and Hipparchus promoted artistic projects and invited artists and poets to Athens
When was the assassination of Hipparchus?
514
Two main sources for assassination of Hipparchus and reliability
Thucydides:
- Claims he was writing an accurate account of facts
- His main focus at the time was not Athenian politics but the Peloponnesian war
Aristotle:
- Based upon Thucydides’ account
Thucydides account of the assassination
1) Harmodius and Aristogeiton were lovers
2) Hipparchus (the brother) wanted Harmodius and approached him, but was rejected
3) Aristogeiton was worried Hipparchus would use his power to force Harmodius into becoming his lover, so decided to overthrow the whole tyranny
4) Harmodius rejected Hipparchus again so Hipparchus decided to punish him by humiliating his sister (she was invited to hold a basket at a procession but was rejected at the last moment)
5) Harmodius and Aristogeiton decided to take revenge at the Panathenaia as members were allowed to carry weapons
6) During the Panathenaia, Hippias was outside the city preparing for the procession
7) The number of conspirators was small as the plot was personal
8) Harmodius and Aristogeiton saw a conspirator talking to Hippias and assumed the plot had been revealed.
9) They decided to quickly kill Hipparchus and did so.
10) Hippias’ guards caught and killed Harmodius; Aristogeiton escaped but was later arrested.
11) Hippias examined those in the procession, and picked out those who had a dagger, as it was customary to only carry a shield and a spear.
12) Aristogeiton was killed later
Aristotle’s account of the assassination
1) Harmodius and Aristogeiton were lovers
2) Thessalos (another brother) wanted Harmodius and approached him, but was rejected
3) Aristogeiton was worried Hipparchus would use his power to force Harmodius into becoming his lover, so decided to overthrow the whole tyranny
4) Thessalos insulted Harmodius by calling him effeminate and prevented Harmodius’ sister from carrying a basket in a procession.
5) Harmodius and Aristogeiton decided to take revenge at the Panathenaia as members were allowed to carry weapons
6) During the Panathenaia, Hippias was outside the city preparing for the procession
7) The number of conspirators was large as the plot was popular
8) Harmodius and Aristogeiton saw a conspirator talking to Hippias and assumed the plot had been revealed.
9) They decided to quickly kill Hipparchus and did so.
10) Hippias’ guards caught and killed Harmodius; Aristogeiton escaped but was later arrested.
11) Hippias couldn’t figure out who was part of the plot as they had all fled
12) Hippias tortured Aristogeiton for the names of the conspirators. Hippias denounced the friends of the tyrant on purpose to feed Hippias’ paranoia.
13) Hippias killed Aristogeiton in a fit of rage
What did Thucydides say happened to Hippias following the assassination of Hipparchus?
“For the majority of people, the tyranny simply became more oppressive”
When was the Overthrow of the tyranny by Sparta?
510
The sources for the Overthrow of the Tyranny by Sparta
Herodotus, Thucydides and Aristotle. They all agree the Spartans overthrew the tyranny.
