Cleisthenes and the Birth of Democracy: What Happened
In 508 BC, the Athenian statesman Cleisthenes introduced reforms that created the world's first known democracy. After the tyrant Hippias was expelled in 510 BC, rival aristocrats struggled for control of Athens. Cleisthenes won the support of ordinary citizens by promising them a greater share of power, and when his rival Isagoras tried to seize control with Spartan help, the people of Athens rose up and drove the Spartans out. Cleisthenes then reorganized the entire citizen body. He broke the power of old aristocratic families by dividing Athenians into ten new tribes, each mixing people from the city, the coast and the countryside. Local communities called demes became the basic units of citizenship. He created a Council of 500, with 50 members chosen from each tribe, to prepare business for the assembly, where all male citizens could speak and vote. He is also credited with introducing ostracism, allowing citizens to exile a dangerous politician for ten years. The Greeks called this new system demokratia, meaning rule by the people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Cleisthenes?
Cleisthenes was an Athenian statesman from the powerful Alcmaeonid family. His reforms in 508 BC created the Athenian democracy, and he is often called the father of democracy.
When did democracy begin in Athens?
Athenian democracy began with the reforms of Cleisthenes in 508 or 507 BC, after the tyrant Hippias was expelled and the people of Athens drove out a Spartan-backed rival.
How did Cleisthenes' democracy work?
All male citizens could speak and vote in the assembly. A Council of 500, with 50 members from each of ten new tribes, prepared its business, and local communities called demes formed the basis of citizenship.
What does democracy mean?
Democracy comes from the Greek words demos, meaning people, and kratos, meaning power or rule. The Athenians called their system demokratia, rule by the people.
Could everyone vote in Athenian democracy?
No. Only adult male citizens could vote. Women, slaves and foreign residents were excluded, so only a minority of the population took part in government.
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