Draco, Solon, and Cleisthenes, Democracy and Justice in Ancient Greece
BruceStrom1
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Mar 09, 2022
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About This Presentation
Hand in hand with the development of democracy in Ancient Greece was the rise of trial by jury, enabling citizens to appeal actions by magistrates to jury trials, and the beginnings of a formal judicial system. Our Greek philosophers and historians seek to demonstrate how the character of Solon, one...
Slide Content
Today we will learn and reflect on how Democracy developed
in ancient Greece, under the reforms mostly of Draco and
Solon, and the main reform of Cleisthenes.
Hand in hand with the development of democracy in Ancient
Greece was the rise of trial by jury, enabling citizens to appeal
actions by magistrates to jury trials, and the beginnings of a
formal judicial system. Our Greek philosophers and historians
seek to demonstrate how the character of Solon, one of the
ancient Greek sages, strengthened the moral fiber of Athens.
in ancient Greece, under the reforms mostly of Draco and
Solon, and the main reform of Cleisthenes.
Hand in hand with the development of democracy in Ancient
Greece was the rise of trial by jury, enabling citizens to appeal
actions by magistrates to jury trials, and the beginnings of a
formal judicial system. Our Greek philosophers and historians
seek to demonstrate how the character of Solon, one of the
ancient Greek sages, strengthened the moral fiber of Athens.
At the end of our talk, we will discuss the sources used for this video.
Please feel free to follow along our PowerPoint script posted to
SlideShare. Please, we welcome interesting questions in the comments.
Let us learn and reflect together!
Please feel free to follow along our PowerPoint script posted to
SlideShare. Please, we welcome interesting questions in the comments.
Let us learn and reflect together!
YouTube: Draco, Solon, Athenian Democracy
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The Life of
Greece, by
Will Durant
https://youtu.be/6sNSaOoQoJs
YouTube Channel (please subscribe):
Reflections on Morality, Philosophy, and History:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLqDkfFbWhXOnzdjp__YZtg
© Copyright 2021 Become a patron:
https://www.patreon.com/seekingvirtueandwisdom
https://amzn.to/3EQAHID
https://amzn.to/32nUYaz
https://amzn.to/3tpvCTx
https://amzn.to/3ervrk2
https://amzn.to/3pIMbti
The Life of
Greece, by
Will Durant
https://youtu.be/6sNSaOoQoJs
Homer’s Odyssey depicts the deep Greek past where might makes right, where
brave soldiers fight for justice, where grievances and murders are settled by blood
feuds. As Greek emerged from its Dark Ages in the seventh century, the Greeks in
Athens sought to establish a more systematic system of justice with laws governing
the state. Draco was appointed by the ruling aristocracy to be a lawmaker to codify
new laws to replace justice by feuds, now the Senate of the Areopagus would hear
cases of homicide.
(REPEAT) The modern historian Will Durant states that “Draco’s code congealed the
cruel customs of unregulated feudalism;” “it did not mitigate the exploitation of the
weak by the strong,” the rights of “property owners were protected more zealously
than before; petty theft, even idleness,” was punished harshly.
brave soldiers fight for justice, where grievances and murders are settled by blood
feuds. As Greek emerged from its Dark Ages in the seventh century, the Greeks in
Athens sought to establish a more systematic system of justice with laws governing
the state. Draco was appointed by the ruling aristocracy to be a lawmaker to codify
new laws to replace justice by feuds, now the Senate of the Areopagus would hear
cases of homicide.
(REPEAT) The modern historian Will Durant states that “Draco’s code congealed the
cruel customs of unregulated feudalism;” “it did not mitigate the exploitation of the
weak by the strong,” the rights of “property owners were protected more zealously
than before; petty theft, even idleness,” was punished harshly.
The modern historian Will Durant states that “Draco’s
code congealed the cruel customs of unregulated
feudalism;” “it did not mitigate the exploitation of
the weak by the strong,” the rights of “property
owners were protected more zealously than before;
petty theft, even idleness,” was punished harshly.
code congealed the cruel customs of unregulated
feudalism;” “it did not mitigate the exploitation of
the weak by the strong,” the rights of “property
owners were protected more zealously than before;
petty theft, even idleness,” was punished harshly.
We remember Draco when we discuss unduly
harsh, or DRACONIAN laws, and his laws were
draconian even by ancient standards, the
penalty for most crimes was death.
(REPEAT) Someone asked Draco why most
crimes carried the death penalty, “Draco
replied that petty crimes deserved the death
penalty, so he could not find a heavier penalty
for more serious offenses.”
harsh, or DRACONIAN laws, and his laws were
draconian even by ancient standards, the
penalty for most crimes was death.
(REPEAT) Someone asked Draco why most
crimes carried the death penalty, “Draco
replied that petty crimes deserved the death
penalty, so he could not find a heavier penalty
for more serious offenses.”
Someone asked Draco why most crimes carried
the death penalty, “Draco replied that petty crimes
deserved the death penalty, so he could not find a
heavier penalty for more serious offenses.”
the death penalty, “Draco replied that petty crimes
deserved the death penalty, so he could not find a
heavier penalty for more serious offenses.”
We might ask, why not send petty criminals to spend a few
months in prison? The answer is, there were no prisons in the
ancient world, just as there were no policemen, no public
prosecutors, and there were few jails. Practically, the only
punishments available were fines, execution, and exile.
We know little about Draco, and less about the other Greek city-
states, but we do know that this civil strife between the lower
and upper classes, those who worked and those lived lives of
luxury, sparked revolutions in several Greek city-states, where
disaffected aristocrats called tyrants seized absolute power with
help from the lower classes.
months in prison? The answer is, there were no prisons in the
ancient world, just as there were no policemen, no public
prosecutors, and there were few jails. Practically, the only
punishments available were fines, execution, and exile.
We know little about Draco, and less about the other Greek city-
states, but we do know that this civil strife between the lower
and upper classes, those who worked and those lived lives of
luxury, sparked revolutions in several Greek city-states, where
disaffected aristocrats called tyrants seized absolute power with
help from the lower classes.
Draco, 7th Century BC
Plutarch exclaimed that in the time
of Solon, who lived several decades
after Draco, “the disparity between
the rich and poor had reached a
peak. The city was in an extremely
precarious state, and it looked as
though the only way it could settle
down and put an end to all the
turmoil was by the establishment
of a tyranny.”
Bust of Solon, Farnese Collection,
now in Naples
of Solon, who lived several decades
after Draco, “the disparity between
the rich and poor had reached a
peak. The city was in an extremely
precarious state, and it looked as
though the only way it could settle
down and put an end to all the
turmoil was by the establishment
of a tyranny.”
Bust of Solon, Farnese Collection,
now in Naples
There was great strife between the notables and
the masses in Athens.
the masses in Athens.
Plutarch tells us, “All the common people
were in debt to the wealthy members of
society, because either they paid them a
sixth of the produce they gained from
working the lands,” which is why they
were called sixth-parters, “or else by put
up their own persons as collateral for
their debts,” and if they defaulted “they
might become slaves of Athens or be
sold into slavery abroad. The creditors
were so ruthless that people were often
forced to sell even their own children or
go into exile.” Many of them banded
together to seek to “remove the debts,
redistribute the land, and form an
entirely new system of government.”
Roman mosaic depicting slaves performing agricultural tasks
were in debt to the wealthy members of
society, because either they paid them a
sixth of the produce they gained from
working the lands,” which is why they
were called sixth-parters, “or else by put
up their own persons as collateral for
their debts,” and if they defaulted “they
might become slaves of Athens or be
sold into slavery abroad. The creditors
were so ruthless that people were often
forced to sell even their own children or
go into exile.” Many of them banded
together to seek to “remove the debts,
redistribute the land, and form an
entirely new system of government.”
Roman mosaic depicting slaves performing agricultural tasks
These class tensions were also felt by the
Athenian aristocracy, so later in the seventh
century they decided to elect Solon as archon,
granting him, as Will Durant says, “dictatorial
powers to soothe the social war, establish a
new constitution, and restore stability to the
state. The upper classes, trusting to the
conservatism of a moneyed man, reluctantly
consented.” Plutarch says Solon was given “the
power to resolve disputes and make laws. The
rich found him acceptable because of his
wealth, and the poor because of his integrity.”
"Solon, the wise lawgiver of Athens",
by Walter Crane, circa 1910
Athenian aristocracy, so later in the seventh
century they decided to elect Solon as archon,
granting him, as Will Durant says, “dictatorial
powers to soothe the social war, establish a
new constitution, and restore stability to the
state. The upper classes, trusting to the
conservatism of a moneyed man, reluctantly
consented.” Plutarch says Solon was given “the
power to resolve disputes and make laws. The
rich found him acceptable because of his
wealth, and the poor because of his integrity.”
"Solon, the wise lawgiver of Athens",
by Walter Crane, circa 1910
Solon, Legislator and Poet of Athens,
by Merry Joseph Blondel, circa 1828
CHARACTER OF SOLON
Who was this remarkable great man in
history? Will Durant marvels, “It seems
incredible” that in ancient Athens, “a
man was found who, without any act
of violence or any bitterness of speech,
was able to persuade the rich and the
poor to a compromise that not only
averted social chaos but established a
new and more generous political and
economic order” for as long as Athens
was an independent city-state.
by Merry Joseph Blondel, circa 1828
CHARACTER OF SOLON
Who was this remarkable great man in
history? Will Durant marvels, “It seems
incredible” that in ancient Athens, “a
man was found who, without any act
of violence or any bitterness of speech,
was able to persuade the rich and the
poor to a compromise that not only
averted social chaos but established a
new and more generous political and
economic order” for as long as Athens
was an independent city-state.
Plutarch exclaims that, although he was an aristocrat himself,
“Solon was not impressed by wealth.” Solon, in his poetry,
exclaims that:
“Two people are equally well off
When one has much silver and gold,
and wide wheat-bearing fields, and horses and mules,
While the other has only enough
To keep belly, body and feet in comfort,
And to enjoy the youthful bloom of woman and boy
When they too arrive and become agreeable in their season.”
And, Solon exclaims:
“Money I would like to have, but not unjustly gained;
For in the end justice always comes.”
Solon, depicted as a medieval scholar
in the Nuremberg Chronicle
“Solon was not impressed by wealth.” Solon, in his poetry,
exclaims that:
“Two people are equally well off
When one has much silver and gold,
and wide wheat-bearing fields, and horses and mules,
While the other has only enough
To keep belly, body and feet in comfort,
And to enjoy the youthful bloom of woman and boy
When they too arrive and become agreeable in their season.”
And, Solon exclaims:
“Money I would like to have, but not unjustly gained;
For in the end justice always comes.”
Solon, depicted as a medieval scholar
in the Nuremberg Chronicle
(REPEAT) Plutarch exclaimed, “Men are burdened by
endless troubles and anxieties if they have not been
trained by reason in how to cope with fortune. Such
people cannot enjoy their possession of something
they really want, because it only makes them suffer
pangs of anxiety and apprehension about the future,
in case they lose it.”
endless troubles and anxieties if they have not been
trained by reason in how to cope with fortune. Such
people cannot enjoy their possession of something
they really want, because it only makes them suffer
pangs of anxiety and apprehension about the future,
in case they lose it.”
Plutarch exclaimed, “Men are burdened by
endless troubles and anxieties if they have not
been trained by reason in how to cope with
fortune. Such people cannot enjoy their
possession of something they really want,
because it only makes them suffer pangs of
anxiety and apprehension about the future, in
case they lose it.”
endless troubles and anxieties if they have not
been trained by reason in how to cope with
fortune. Such people cannot enjoy their
possession of something they really want,
because it only makes them suffer pangs of
anxiety and apprehension about the future, in
case they lose it.”
REFORMS OF SOLON
One of our main sources is the Athenian Constitution, the only
surviving study of many studies of Greek City-State constitutions
that the students of Aristotle completed. Most scholars have
concluded from the quality of the composition that Aristotle
was neither the author nor the lecturer of this work. We want to
point out that this is a translation for a Greek term that referred
not to a specific founding document but rather to a framework
of laws enacted by a prominent lawgiver assigned to this task.
One of our main sources is the Athenian Constitution, the only
surviving study of many studies of Greek City-State constitutions
that the students of Aristotle completed. Most scholars have
concluded from the quality of the composition that Aristotle
was neither the author nor the lecturer of this work. We want to
point out that this is a translation for a Greek term that referred
not to a specific founding document but rather to a framework
of laws enacted by a prominent lawgiver assigned to this task.
School of Aristotle by Gustav Adolph Spangenberg, circa 1888
https://amzn.to/3tpvCTx
https://amzn.to/3tpvCTx
Aristotle’s student explains that “On gaining control of
affairs Solon liberated the people, both immediately
and for the future, by forbidding loans on the security
of the person; and he enacted laws; and he cancelled
both public and private debts, which the Athenians call
the Shaking-off of burdens,” since this weight was lifted
from their shoulders.
Plutarch exclaims that Solon also quickly “repealed all
of Draco’s laws, except the ones on homicide, because
the penalties were too severe. Death was the penalty
for almost all crimes,” which meant that those
convicted of loitering or stealing fruits or vegetables, as
well as those guilty of homicide, could potentially be
subject to the death penalty.
Bust of Solon in Vatican Museums
affairs Solon liberated the people, both immediately
and for the future, by forbidding loans on the security
of the person; and he enacted laws; and he cancelled
both public and private debts, which the Athenians call
the Shaking-off of burdens,” since this weight was lifted
from their shoulders.
Plutarch exclaims that Solon also quickly “repealed all
of Draco’s laws, except the ones on homicide, because
the penalties were too severe. Death was the penalty
for almost all crimes,” which meant that those
convicted of loitering or stealing fruits or vegetables, as
well as those guilty of homicide, could potentially be
subject to the death penalty.
Bust of Solon in Vatican Museums
Before Solon the oligarchs who ruled the city-state were the
hereditary nobility, Solon established new classes for the newly
rich, enabling them to also share in the government if they met
certain property requirements, which were based on the amount
of crops harvested on their farmlands. Before democracy could
be extended to the workers of Athens, which would happen in
the days of Pericles, it first had to be extended to the newly rich.
hereditary nobility, Solon established new classes for the newly
rich, enabling them to also share in the government if they met
certain property requirements, which were based on the amount
of crops harvested on their farmlands. Before democracy could
be extended to the workers of Athens, which would happen in
the days of Pericles, it first had to be extended to the newly rich.
Aristotle’s student said that these were the
“three most democratic features of Solon’s
constitution:
•First and most important, the ban on loans
on the security of the person,” no longer
could you sell yourself into slavery to pay
your debts.
•Second, it gave “permission to anyone who
wished to seek retribution for those who
were wronged” through the popular jury
and court system.
•Third, the reform that “particularly
contributed to the power of the masses,
the right of appeal to the jury-court.”
Thus, democracy and justice were intertwined
in ancient Athens under these reforms. Solon, Legislator and Poet of Athens,
by Merry Joseph Blondel, circa 1828
“three most democratic features of Solon’s
constitution:
•First and most important, the ban on loans
on the security of the person,” no longer
could you sell yourself into slavery to pay
your debts.
•Second, it gave “permission to anyone who
wished to seek retribution for those who
were wronged” through the popular jury
and court system.
•Third, the reform that “particularly
contributed to the power of the masses,
the right of appeal to the jury-court.”
Thus, democracy and justice were intertwined
in ancient Athens under these reforms. Solon, Legislator and Poet of Athens,
by Merry Joseph Blondel, circa 1828
Aristotle’s student said, “The people had thought that
Solon would carry out a complete redistribution of
property, while the nobles had thought that he would
restore them to the same position as before or make
only small changes. But Solon was opposed to both;
and, while he could have combined with whichever
party he chose and become tyrant, he preferred to
incur the hatred of both by saving his country and
legislating for the best.” Plutarch observed, “Solon’s
cancellation of the debts annoyed the rich, and the
poor were even more aggrieved at his failure to
redistribute the land as they expected, and because
he had not completely removed the disparities and
inequalities between the lives of men and incomes, as
Lycurgus of Sparta had done.”
Solon would carry out a complete redistribution of
property, while the nobles had thought that he would
restore them to the same position as before or make
only small changes. But Solon was opposed to both;
and, while he could have combined with whichever
party he chose and become tyrant, he preferred to
incur the hatred of both by saving his country and
legislating for the best.” Plutarch observed, “Solon’s
cancellation of the debts annoyed the rich, and the
poor were even more aggrieved at his failure to
redistribute the land as they expected, and because
he had not completely removed the disparities and
inequalities between the lives of men and incomes, as
Lycurgus of Sparta had done.”
Many of Solon’s reforms were amazingly progressive for the
time, they include:
•Rich and poor were subject to the same restraints and
penalties.
•Both rich and poor were eligible to serve on juries.
•The property tax was, in essence, a graduated income tax,
the most impoverished were exempted from paying taxes.
•Forbidding the export of any produce except for olive oil,
attempting to encourage olive production, which later
would be central to the Athenian economy.
•Sons were not obligated to support aging fathers who had
not taught them a trade.
Solon, Library of Congress,
Thomas Jefferson Bldg, DC
time, they include:
•Rich and poor were subject to the same restraints and
penalties.
•Both rich and poor were eligible to serve on juries.
•The property tax was, in essence, a graduated income tax,
the most impoverished were exempted from paying taxes.
•Forbidding the export of any produce except for olive oil,
attempting to encourage olive production, which later
would be central to the Athenian economy.
•Sons were not obligated to support aging fathers who had
not taught them a trade.
Solon, Library of Congress,
Thomas Jefferson Bldg, DC
Many of Solon’s were amazingly progressive for the time,
CONTINUED:
•Although wronged husbands were permitted to kill
adulterers caught in the act, there would only be a hefty
fine for violating the honor of a free woman.
•The sons of soldiers and sailors who died in war would be
brought up and educated at state expense.
•Legalizing and taxing prostitution in brothels licensed and
supervised by the state.
•Granting amnesty to political prisoners, but not
insurrectionists.
Solon, Library of Congress,
Thomas Jefferson Bldg, DC
CONTINUED:
•Although wronged husbands were permitted to kill
adulterers caught in the act, there would only be a hefty
fine for violating the honor of a free woman.
•The sons of soldiers and sailors who died in war would be
brought up and educated at state expense.
•Legalizing and taxing prostitution in brothels licensed and
supervised by the state.
•Granting amnesty to political prisoners, but not
insurrectionists.
Solon, Library of Congress,
Thomas Jefferson Bldg, DC
(REPEAT) Will Durant exclaims that his laws “liberating the Athenian
farmers from serfdom, and the establishment of peasant proprietor
class whose ownership of the soil made the little armies of Athens
suffice to preserve her liberties for many generations. When, at the
close of the Peloponnesian War, it was proposed to limit the
franchise to freeholders, only five thousand adult freemen in all
Attica failed to satisfy this requirement.”
Once, when he was asked if the laws he passed were the best
possible laws, Solon answered, “They were the best the Athenians
would accept.” When asked about what made the qualities of a well-
ordered state, Solon responded, “When the people obey the rulers,
and the rulers obey the laws.”
farmers from serfdom, and the establishment of peasant proprietor
class whose ownership of the soil made the little armies of Athens
suffice to preserve her liberties for many generations. When, at the
close of the Peloponnesian War, it was proposed to limit the
franchise to freeholders, only five thousand adult freemen in all
Attica failed to satisfy this requirement.”
Once, when he was asked if the laws he passed were the best
possible laws, Solon answered, “They were the best the Athenians
would accept.” When asked about what made the qualities of a well-
ordered state, Solon responded, “When the people obey the rulers,
and the rulers obey the laws.”
Will Durant exclaims that his laws
“liberating the Athenian farmers from
serfdom, and the establishment of
peasant proprietor class whose
ownership of the soil made the little
armies of Athens suffice to preserve her
liberties for many generations. When, at
the close of the Peloponnesian War, it
was proposed to limit the franchise to
freeholders, only five thousand adult
freemen in all Attica failed to satisfy this
requirement.”
“liberating the Athenian farmers from
serfdom, and the establishment of
peasant proprietor class whose
ownership of the soil made the little
armies of Athens suffice to preserve her
liberties for many generations. When, at
the close of the Peloponnesian War, it
was proposed to limit the franchise to
freeholders, only five thousand adult
freemen in all Attica failed to satisfy this
requirement.”
Once, when he was asked if
the laws he passed were
the best possible laws,
Solon answered, “They
were the best the
Athenians would accept.”
When asked about what
made the qualities of a
well-ordered state, Solon
responded, “When the
people obey the rulers, and
the rulers obey the laws.”
the laws he passed were
the best possible laws,
Solon answered, “They
were the best the
Athenians would accept.”
When asked about what
made the qualities of a
well-ordered state, Solon
responded, “When the
people obey the rulers, and
the rulers obey the laws.”
SOLON TRAVELS THE ANCIENT WORLD RATHER THAN BECOME A TYRANT
Solon left Athens to travel the known world for a decade so they could
not change the laws but learn to live under them, as he knew he would
be continually pressured by all sides to amend the laws to undo these
peacemaking measures.
His wanderings took him to Lydia and the court of the fabulously wealthy
King Croesus, who was way too proud of his wealth, way too boastful.
(REPEAT) According to Diogenes of Laertius, “Some say that Croesus, after
arraying himself in all his finery and seating himself on his throne, asked
Solon whether he had ever seen a more beautiful sight. “Yes,” Solon
replied, “roosters and pheasants and peacocks, since they have been
adorned with a natural brilliancy and are ten thousand times more
beautiful.”
Solon left Athens to travel the known world for a decade so they could
not change the laws but learn to live under them, as he knew he would
be continually pressured by all sides to amend the laws to undo these
peacemaking measures.
His wanderings took him to Lydia and the court of the fabulously wealthy
King Croesus, who was way too proud of his wealth, way too boastful.
(REPEAT) According to Diogenes of Laertius, “Some say that Croesus, after
arraying himself in all his finery and seating himself on his throne, asked
Solon whether he had ever seen a more beautiful sight. “Yes,” Solon
replied, “roosters and pheasants and peacocks, since they have been
adorned with a natural brilliancy and are ten thousand times more
beautiful.”
Solon before King Croesus, by Nikolaus Knüpfer, painted 1652
Solon before King Croesus, by Nikolaus Knüpfer, painted 1652
According to Diogenes of Laertius, “Some say that Croesus, after
arraying himself in all his finery and seating himself on his throne,
asked Solon whether he had ever seen a more beautiful sight.
“Yes,” Solon replied, “roosters and pheasants and peacocks, since
they have been adorned with a natural brilliancy and are ten
thousand times more beautiful.”
According to Diogenes of Laertius, “Some say that Croesus, after
arraying himself in all his finery and seating himself on his throne,
asked Solon whether he had ever seen a more beautiful sight.
“Yes,” Solon replied, “roosters and pheasants and peacocks, since
they have been adorned with a natural brilliancy and are ten
thousand times more beautiful.”
Due to the wisdom of his laws and his declining to be a tyrant, Greeks held Solon in
high regard, he was regarded as one of the ancient Seven Sages. We know this from
another story Herodotus tells us how Croesus escaped the flames.
The hubris and overconfidence of King Croesus led him to rashly attack the
upcoming Cyrus the Great, and through brilliant tactics, Croesus was defeated.
Cyrus ordered that Croesus be placed on a pyre that would be set ablaze. Herodotus
tells us, “Croesus remembered with what divine truth Solon had declared that no
man could be called happy until he was dead.” In our video on Herodotus, we
already told the delightful tales Solon told of the humble Greeks who were happier
than Croesus, because they died the good death when they were happy with loving
families and divine purpose. One of these tale featured Cleobis and Biton, which we
repeated in our Herodotus Histories video. We left the tale for how Croesus was
saved from the flames until now.
high regard, he was regarded as one of the ancient Seven Sages. We know this from
another story Herodotus tells us how Croesus escaped the flames.
The hubris and overconfidence of King Croesus led him to rashly attack the
upcoming Cyrus the Great, and through brilliant tactics, Croesus was defeated.
Cyrus ordered that Croesus be placed on a pyre that would be set ablaze. Herodotus
tells us, “Croesus remembered with what divine truth Solon had declared that no
man could be called happy until he was dead.” In our video on Herodotus, we
already told the delightful tales Solon told of the humble Greeks who were happier
than Croesus, because they died the good death when they were happy with loving
families and divine purpose. One of these tale featured Cleobis and Biton, which we
repeated in our Herodotus Histories video. We left the tale for how Croesus was
saved from the flames until now.
https://youtu.be/YwUojwMIQEw
Cleobis and Biton, by Jean Bardin, painted 1764
Cleobis and Biton, by Adam Mueller, 1830
Cleobis and Biton, by Adam Mueller, 1830
As the pyre was lit, Croesus
“sighed bitterly and three times,
in anguish of spirit, uttered
Solon’s name.” Cyrus heard this
and asked, Who was this Solon?
Croesus then told Cyrus “how
Solon once came to Sardis and
made light of the splendor he
saw there, and how everything
he said had proved true, not only
for him but for all men and
especially for those who imagine
themselves fortunate.”
Croesus at the stake. Attic amphora, circa. 500–490 BC.
“sighed bitterly and three times,
in anguish of spirit, uttered
Solon’s name.” Cyrus heard this
and asked, Who was this Solon?
Croesus then told Cyrus “how
Solon once came to Sardis and
made light of the splendor he
saw there, and how everything
he said had proved true, not only
for him but for all men and
especially for those who imagine
themselves fortunate.”
Croesus at the stake. Attic amphora, circa. 500–490 BC.
This story touched Cyrus, he realized
that he, too, was mortal, “and was
burning alive another who had once
been as prosperous as he. The
thought of that, and the fear of
retribution, and the realization of
how unstable human affairs were,
made him change his mind and order
that the flames be put out.”
Harpagus bring infant Cyrus to shepherd,
by Sebastiano Ricci, painted 1708
that he, too, was mortal, “and was
burning alive another who had once
been as prosperous as he. The
thought of that, and the fear of
retribution, and the realization of
how unstable human affairs were,
made him change his mind and order
that the flames be put out.”
Harpagus bring infant Cyrus to shepherd,
by Sebastiano Ricci, painted 1708
Solon’s poem to his friend Phocus
discusses his decision to leave Athens
for a decade:
“Did I spare the land of my birth?
Did I refrain from tyranny and
brutality?
Preferring to keep my name
unblemished by disgrace?
There is no shame for me in this.
In fact, I think
It will set me above all other men.”
Solon, Legislator and Poet of Athens,
by Merry Joseph Blondel, circa 1828
discusses his decision to leave Athens
for a decade:
“Did I spare the land of my birth?
Did I refrain from tyranny and
brutality?
Preferring to keep my name
unblemished by disgrace?
There is no shame for me in this.
In fact, I think
It will set me above all other men.”
Solon, Legislator and Poet of Athens,
by Merry Joseph Blondel, circa 1828
PEISISTRATUS BECOMES TYRANT
Class tensions between the workers and the aristocracy
continued even under the laws Solon had instituted. His
cousin, Peisistratus, was ambitious and sought to become
tyrant himself.
Class tensions between the workers and the aristocracy
continued even under the laws Solon had instituted. His
cousin, Peisistratus, was ambitious and sought to become
tyrant himself.
Draco, 7th Century BC
Diogenes of Laertius exclaimed that the people
would have “gladly had Solon rule them as a
tyrant. But Solon declined. And perceiving the
ambitions of Pisistratus his kinsman, he did all he
could to hinder him. Dashing into the Athenian
Assembly with spear and shield, he warned the
people about Pisistratus.” He proclaimed, “Men of
Athens, I am wiser than some of you and braver
than others. Wiser than those who fail to discern
his deception, and braver than those keep silent
out of fear.” But in later years, during one of the
terms of Pisistratus as tyrant, Solon laid down his
weapons, made his peace with Pisistratus, and
may have been one of his counselors.
would have “gladly had Solon rule them as a
tyrant. But Solon declined. And perceiving the
ambitions of Pisistratus his kinsman, he did all he
could to hinder him. Dashing into the Athenian
Assembly with spear and shield, he warned the
people about Pisistratus.” He proclaimed, “Men of
Athens, I am wiser than some of you and braver
than others. Wiser than those who fail to discern
his deception, and braver than those keep silent
out of fear.” But in later years, during one of the
terms of Pisistratus as tyrant, Solon laid down his
weapons, made his peace with Pisistratus, and
may have been one of his counselors.
(REPEAT) Peisistratus succeeded in becoming tyrant but was driven
from power after a few years. Herodotus tells us how the Athenians fell
for a ridiculous trick that reestablished Peisistratus as tyrant for the
second time, “In the village of Paeania there was a handsome woman
called Phye, nearly six feet tall, whom they fitted out in a suit of armor
and mounted in a chariot; then, after getting her to pose in a most
striking attitude, she and Peisistratus drove into Athens, where
messengers who had preceded them were there already, talking to the
people and urging them to welcome Peisistratus back, because the
goddess Athena herself had show him extraordinary honor and was
bringing him back to her own Acropolis.”
from power after a few years. Herodotus tells us how the Athenians fell
for a ridiculous trick that reestablished Peisistratus as tyrant for the
second time, “In the village of Paeania there was a handsome woman
called Phye, nearly six feet tall, whom they fitted out in a suit of armor
and mounted in a chariot; then, after getting her to pose in a most
striking attitude, she and Peisistratus drove into Athens, where
messengers who had preceded them were there already, talking to the
people and urging them to welcome Peisistratus back, because the
goddess Athena herself had show him extraordinary honor and was
bringing him back to her own Acropolis.”
Return of Peisistratus to Athens with the
false Minerva, by MA Barth, circa 1838
Peisistratus succeeded in becoming
tyrant but was driven from power after
a few years. Herodotus tells us how the
Athenians fell for a ridiculous trick that
established Peisistratus as tyrant for the
second time, “In the village of Paeania
there was a handsome woman called
Phye, nearly six feet tall, whom they
fitted out in a suit of armor and
mounted in a chariot; then, after
getting her to pose in a most striking
attitude, she and Peisistratus drove into
Athens, where messengers who had
preceded them were there already,
talking to the people and urging them
to welcome Peisistratus back, because
the goddess Athena herself had show
him extraordinary honor and was
bringing him back to her own
Acropolis.”
false Minerva, by MA Barth, circa 1838
Peisistratus succeeded in becoming
tyrant but was driven from power after
a few years. Herodotus tells us how the
Athenians fell for a ridiculous trick that
established Peisistratus as tyrant for the
second time, “In the village of Paeania
there was a handsome woman called
Phye, nearly six feet tall, whom they
fitted out in a suit of armor and
mounted in a chariot; then, after
getting her to pose in a most striking
attitude, she and Peisistratus drove into
Athens, where messengers who had
preceded them were there already,
talking to the people and urging them
to welcome Peisistratus back, because
the goddess Athena herself had show
him extraordinary honor and was
bringing him back to her own
Acropolis.”
(REPEAT) Peisistratus was again driven out, but the third time he seized power, he
reined for nineteen years until his death. Will Durant tells us, “Peisistratus surprised
everyone by making few changes to the Solon constitution. Like Emperor Caesar
Augustus he knew how to adorn and support dictatorship with democratic
concessions and forms.” Under Pisistratus, the government ran as it did before, but
by officials under the thumb of Pisistratus.
Peisistratus ruled benevolently, among his accomplishments:
•He divided among the poor the land belonging to the state and banished
aristocrats.
•He employed many workers on public projects including building temples, roads,
and aqueducts.
•Established the PanHellenic athletic contests.
•Encouraged the theater and instructed poets to write down the Homeric epics for
easier recitation.
reined for nineteen years until his death. Will Durant tells us, “Peisistratus surprised
everyone by making few changes to the Solon constitution. Like Emperor Caesar
Augustus he knew how to adorn and support dictatorship with democratic
concessions and forms.” Under Pisistratus, the government ran as it did before, but
by officials under the thumb of Pisistratus.
Peisistratus ruled benevolently, among his accomplishments:
•He divided among the poor the land belonging to the state and banished
aristocrats.
•He employed many workers on public projects including building temples, roads,
and aqueducts.
•Established the PanHellenic athletic contests.
•Encouraged the theater and instructed poets to write down the Homeric epics for
easier recitation.
Peisistratus was again driven out, but the
third time he seized power, he reined for
nineteen years until his death. Will
Durant tells us, “Peisistratus surprised
everyone by making few changes to the
Solon constitution. Like Emperor Caesar
Augustus he knew how to adorn and
support dictatorship with democratic
concessions and forms.”
third time he seized power, he reined for
nineteen years until his death. Will
Durant tells us, “Peisistratus surprised
everyone by making few changes to the
Solon constitution. Like Emperor Caesar
Augustus he knew how to adorn and
support dictatorship with democratic
concessions and forms.”
Peisistratus ruled benevolently, among his
accomplishments:
•He divided among the poor the land belonging to the
state and banished aristocrats.
•He employed many workers on public projects
including building temples, roads, and aqueducts.
•Established the PanHellenic athletic contests.
•Encouraged the theater and instructed poets to write
down the epic Homeric epics for easier recitation.
accomplishments:
•He divided among the poor the land belonging to the
state and banished aristocrats.
•He employed many workers on public projects
including building temples, roads, and aqueducts.
•Established the PanHellenic athletic contests.
•Encouraged the theater and instructed poets to write
down the epic Homeric epics for easier recitation.
(REPEAT) Will Durant exclaims that “under his rule trade flourished.” “The
poor were less poor, the rich not less rich. That concentration of wealth
which had nearly torn the city into civil war was brought under control.”
Will Durant so elegantly concludes, “Probably Athens had needed, after
Solon, just a man as Peisistratus: one with sufficient iron in his blood to
beat the disorder of Athenian life into a strong and steady form, and to
establish those habits of order and law which are to a society what the
skeleton is to an animal.” “When, after a generation, the dictatorship was
removed, these habits of order and the framework of Solon’s constitution
remained as a heritage for democracy. Peisistratus, perhaps not knowing
it, had come not to destroy the law but to fulfill it.”
poor were less poor, the rich not less rich. That concentration of wealth
which had nearly torn the city into civil war was brought under control.”
Will Durant so elegantly concludes, “Probably Athens had needed, after
Solon, just a man as Peisistratus: one with sufficient iron in his blood to
beat the disorder of Athenian life into a strong and steady form, and to
establish those habits of order and law which are to a society what the
skeleton is to an animal.” “When, after a generation, the dictatorship was
removed, these habits of order and the framework of Solon’s constitution
remained as a heritage for democracy. Peisistratus, perhaps not knowing
it, had come not to destroy the law but to fulfill it.”
Acropolis, by Leo von Klenze, circa 1846
Will Durant exclaims that “under his rule trade
flourished.” “The poor were less poor, the rich not less
rich. That concentration of wealth which had nearly torn
the city into civil war was brought under control.”
Will Durant exclaims that “under his rule trade
flourished.” “The poor were less poor, the rich not less
rich. That concentration of wealth which had nearly torn
the city into civil war was brought under control.”
Will Durant so elegantly concludes, “Probably Athens had needed, after
Solon, just a man as Peisistratus: one with sufficient iron in his blood to
beat the disorder of Athenian life into a strong and steady form, and to
establish those habits of order and law which are to a society what the
skeleton is to an animal.” “When, after a generation, the dictatorship
was removed, these habits of order and the framework of Solon’s
constitution remained as a heritage for democracy. Peisistratus, perhaps
not knowing it, had come not to destroy the law but to fulfill it.”
Solon, just a man as Peisistratus: one with sufficient iron in his blood to
beat the disorder of Athenian life into a strong and steady form, and to
establish those habits of order and law which are to a society what the
skeleton is to an animal.” “When, after a generation, the dictatorship
was removed, these habits of order and the framework of Solon’s
constitution remained as a heritage for democracy. Peisistratus, perhaps
not knowing it, had come not to destroy the law but to fulfill it.”
After Peisistratus died, his son Hippias continued his
policies and ruled benevolently for a dozen years, but then
an affair gone awry caused his brother’s assassination,
leading to paranoia and an increasingly brutal regime,
which led to a coup that reestablished democracy in
Athens. You can read this tawdry tale in Herodotus and
Thucydides.
policies and ruled benevolently for a dozen years, but then
an affair gone awry caused his brother’s assassination,
leading to paranoia and an increasingly brutal regime,
which led to a coup that reestablished democracy in
Athens. You can read this tawdry tale in Herodotus and
Thucydides.
An aristocrat named Cleisthenes was triumphant in the chaos, and as dictator he drafted laws to
fundamentally change how the city-state was organized to finally break the hold the oldest and
richest families had over the government. He abolished the four regional tribes and replaced them
with ten tribes that consisted of subdivisions called DEMES, and each tribe was allocated demes
from the city and the coast and the interior, which meant that the people in each tribe were
spread all over Attica. You can read for yourself the details; the effect was that more citizens were
involved in the democracy that had a much broader base.
Another reform of Cleisthenes was the ostracism. Once a year the Assembly would be able to call
an ostracism, which was a special election with a quorum of six thousand citizens where the
citizens could choose to send into exile any citizen for ten years, their property was not seized, and
they could eventually return to Athens. The purpose was to discourage demagogues, during the
ninety years it was in effect, only ten men were ostracized.
Archeologists have uncovered many ostracon, this one was to exile the Greek politician
Themistocles, who had been a hero of the Greco-Persian Wars.
The final reforms creating the radical democracy were enacted under the famous Athenian
general Pericles, who will be featured in a future video.
fundamentally change how the city-state was organized to finally break the hold the oldest and
richest families had over the government. He abolished the four regional tribes and replaced them
with ten tribes that consisted of subdivisions called DEMES, and each tribe was allocated demes
from the city and the coast and the interior, which meant that the people in each tribe were
spread all over Attica. You can read for yourself the details; the effect was that more citizens were
involved in the democracy that had a much broader base.
Another reform of Cleisthenes was the ostracism. Once a year the Assembly would be able to call
an ostracism, which was a special election with a quorum of six thousand citizens where the
citizens could choose to send into exile any citizen for ten years, their property was not seized, and
they could eventually return to Athens. The purpose was to discourage demagogues, during the
ninety years it was in effect, only ten men were ostracized.
Archeologists have uncovered many ostracon, this one was to exile the Greek politician
Themistocles, who had been a hero of the Greco-Persian Wars.
The final reforms creating the radical democracy were enacted under the famous Athenian
general Pericles, who will be featured in a future video.
Draco, 7th Century BC
Ostracon exiling
Themistocles
Ostracon exiling
Themistocles
Pericles' Funeral
Oration, by Philipp
Foltz(1852)
Oration, by Philipp
Foltz(1852)
We will conclude our discussion with
a quote from Diogenes of Laertius:
Solon gave men this advice: “Trust
good character more than an oath.
Do not lie. Purse worthy goals.
Command only when you have
learned to be ruled. Give the best
advice, not the most pleasant. Make
reason your guide. Have no dealings
with base men. Honor the gods.
Respect your parents.”
Solon, Legislator and Poet of Athens,
by Merry Joseph Blondel, circa 1828
a quote from Diogenes of Laertius:
Solon gave men this advice: “Trust
good character more than an oath.
Do not lie. Purse worthy goals.
Command only when you have
learned to be ruled. Give the best
advice, not the most pleasant. Make
reason your guide. Have no dealings
with base men. Honor the gods.
Respect your parents.”
Solon, Legislator and Poet of Athens,
by Merry Joseph Blondel, circa 1828
DISCUSSING THE SOURCES
There were references to Aristotle’s Athenian Constitution in ancient
sources, but it was a lost work until scholars found two papyrus
manuscripts, one in 1879, and another with fewer missing pages in 1890.
These were school assignments, Aristotle had his students gather and
summarize the law codes and histories from over a hundred Greek city-
states, but only the Athenian Constitution survived, but just barely. Our
translator argues that from the inferior writing style and organization we
can presume that Aristotle did not write this work, nor did he heavily edit
it, so in our footnotes we credit it to Aristotle’s student. Without this
important work, we would know little about the details and history of
democracy and juries in Athens.
There were references to Aristotle’s Athenian Constitution in ancient
sources, but it was a lost work until scholars found two papyrus
manuscripts, one in 1879, and another with fewer missing pages in 1890.
These were school assignments, Aristotle had his students gather and
summarize the law codes and histories from over a hundred Greek city-
states, but only the Athenian Constitution survived, but just barely. Our
translator argues that from the inferior writing style and organization we
can presume that Aristotle did not write this work, nor did he heavily edit
it, so in our footnotes we credit it to Aristotle’s student. Without this
important work, we would know little about the details and history of
democracy and juries in Athens.
YouTube: Draco, Solon, Athenian Democracy
YouTube Channel (please subscribe):
Reflections on Morality, Philosophy, and History:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLqDkfFbWhXOnzdjp__YZtg
© Copyright 2021 Become a patron:
https://www.patreon.com/seekingvirtueandwisdom
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https://amzn.to/32nUYaz
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https://amzn.to/3pIMbti
The Life of
Greece, by
Will Durant
YouTube Channel (please subscribe):
Reflections on Morality, Philosophy, and History:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLqDkfFbWhXOnzdjp__YZtg
© Copyright 2021 Become a patron:
https://www.patreon.com/seekingvirtueandwisdom
https://amzn.to/3EQAHID
https://amzn.to/32nUYaz
https://amzn.to/3tpvCTx
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https://amzn.to/3pIMbti
The Life of
Greece, by
Will Durant
Plutarch’s Lives of Noble Greeks in Romans is our next major source, he is
a delight to read and is one of the most reliable historians and
biographers. Plutarch clearly uses the Athenian Constitution as one of his
sources. Plutarch wrote his Lives in the beginning of the second century
AD, about 450 years after Aristotle. The chief manuscripts date from the
10
th
and 11
th
centuries, neither Dr Wikipedia nor our translators say more
about the manuscript tradition, but since Plutarch’s Lives have all
survived, there were likely many manuscripts.
Plutarch wrote his lives in pairs of Noble Greeks and Romans, the Roman
he paired with Solon, Poplicola, was a stalwart Roman, but he did not
steer the Roman state in a new direction as did Solon for Greece.
However, our Founding Fathers did admire Poplicola, the pen-name
Publius in the Federalist Papers was in honor of Poplicola.
a delight to read and is one of the most reliable historians and
biographers. Plutarch clearly uses the Athenian Constitution as one of his
sources. Plutarch wrote his Lives in the beginning of the second century
AD, about 450 years after Aristotle. The chief manuscripts date from the
10
th
and 11
th
centuries, neither Dr Wikipedia nor our translators say more
about the manuscript tradition, but since Plutarch’s Lives have all
survived, there were likely many manuscripts.
Plutarch wrote his lives in pairs of Noble Greeks and Romans, the Roman
he paired with Solon, Poplicola, was a stalwart Roman, but he did not
steer the Roman state in a new direction as did Solon for Greece.
However, our Founding Fathers did admire Poplicola, the pen-name
Publius in the Federalist Papers was in honor of Poplicola.
Both Plutarch and Diogenes of Sinope sought to draw moral lessons from their
histories. Diogenes is a quirky source, neither as accurate nor as elegant as Plutarch.
We discuss Diogenes in our lectures on Zeno, the Greek Cynic Philosophers, and the
Epicurean philosophers. We quoted some memorable phrases from Diogenes.
Will Durant’s Life of Greece, written in 1939, is a classical history, he is an excellent
writer as you can tell from his quotations. Will Durant’s primary sources for Draco
and Solon are also Aristotle’s Constitution, Plutarch, and to a lesser extent,
Diogenes.
Herodotus’ Histories are an excellent history for the period of Pisistratus, and the
visit of Solon to Croesus in Persia, and how Hippias, son and successor of Pisistratus,
was overthrown after a beneficent rule of more than a dozen years. We have three
videos and blogs on the Histories of Herodotus.
histories. Diogenes is a quirky source, neither as accurate nor as elegant as Plutarch.
We discuss Diogenes in our lectures on Zeno, the Greek Cynic Philosophers, and the
Epicurean philosophers. We quoted some memorable phrases from Diogenes.
Will Durant’s Life of Greece, written in 1939, is a classical history, he is an excellent
writer as you can tell from his quotations. Will Durant’s primary sources for Draco
and Solon are also Aristotle’s Constitution, Plutarch, and to a lesser extent,
Diogenes.
Herodotus’ Histories are an excellent history for the period of Pisistratus, and the
visit of Solon to Croesus in Persia, and how Hippias, son and successor of Pisistratus,
was overthrown after a beneficent rule of more than a dozen years. We have three
videos and blogs on the Histories of Herodotus.
https://youtu.be/zAAal5p8AX8
And in the painting we used in our thumbnail, we can clearly see
the contrast between the ostentatious feathered hat and the rich
red robes of King Croesus that are so regal that two servant boys
follow him to hold up his train trailing behind, and the more
simply dressed visitor Solon, dressed like a shepherd, who is
unimpressed by the wealth that Croesus insist on showing him.
Solon was somewhat wealthy himself, but he did not like to
parade his wealth.
the contrast between the ostentatious feathered hat and the rich
red robes of King Croesus that are so regal that two servant boys
follow him to hold up his train trailing behind, and the more
simply dressed visitor Solon, dressed like a shepherd, who is
unimpressed by the wealth that Croesus insist on showing him.
Solon was somewhat wealthy himself, but he did not like to
parade his wealth.
Croesus showing
his treasures to
Solon, by Frans
Franckenthe
Younger, circa
1620
his treasures to
Solon, by Frans
Franckenthe
Younger, circa
1620
YouTube: Draco, Solon, Athenian Democracy
YouTube Channel (please subscribe):
Reflections on Morality, Philosophy, and History:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLqDkfFbWhXOnzdjp__YZtg
© Copyright 2021 Become a patron:
https://www.patreon.com/seekingvirtueandwisdom
https://amzn.to/3EQAHID
https://amzn.to/32nUYaz
https://amzn.to/3tpvCTx
https://amzn.to/3ervrk2
https://amzn.to/3pIMbti
The Life of
Greece, by
Will Durant
https://youtu.be/6sNSaOoQoJs
YouTube Channel (please subscribe):
Reflections on Morality, Philosophy, and History:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLqDkfFbWhXOnzdjp__YZtg
© Copyright 2021 Become a patron:
https://www.patreon.com/seekingvirtueandwisdom
https://amzn.to/3EQAHID
https://amzn.to/32nUYaz
https://amzn.to/3tpvCTx
https://amzn.to/3ervrk2
https://amzn.to/3pIMbti
The Life of
Greece, by
Will Durant
https://youtu.be/6sNSaOoQoJs
To find the source of any direct
quotes in this blog, please type in
the phrase to the search box in
my blog to see the referenced
footnote.
YouTube Description has links for:
•Script PDF file
•Blog
•Amazon Bookstore
© Copyright 2021
Blog and YouTube Description
include links for Amazon books
and lectures mentioned, please
support our channel with these
affiliate commissions.
Link to blog:
https://wp.me/pachSU-CJ
quotes in this blog, please type in
the phrase to the search box in
my blog to see the referenced
footnote.
YouTube Description has links for:
•Script PDF file
•Blog
•Amazon Bookstore
© Copyright 2021
Blog and YouTube Description
include links for Amazon books
and lectures mentioned, please
support our channel with these
affiliate commissions.
Link to blog:
https://wp.me/pachSU-CJ
https://www.patreon.com/seekingvirtueandwisdom
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLqDkfFbWhXOnzdjp__YZtg/
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