Rule of the Thirty Tyrants: What Happened
In 404 BC, after Athens surrendered to Sparta, a group of thirty pro-Spartan oligarchs took control of the city, backed by the Spartan commander Lysander and a Spartan garrison. They were officially appointed to draft new laws, but they became known to history as the Thirty Tyrants. Led by the extremist Critias, a relative of Plato and a former student of Socrates, they abolished the democratic institutions, limited full citizenship to a list of 3,000 supporters, and launched a reign of terror. They executed political opponents and seized the property of wealthy citizens and resident foreigners, and around 1,500 people are said to have been killed. Theramenes, a more moderate member of the Thirty, objected to the violence and was himself forced to drink poison. Many democrats fled into exile. Their rule lasted only about eight months. In 403 BC, exiled democrats led by Thrasybulus returned, seized Piraeus and defeated the Thirty's forces, and Critias was killed in the fighting. The brutality of the Thirty left a lasting mark on Athenian memory and politics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the Thirty Tyrants?
The Thirty Tyrants were a group of pro-Spartan oligarchs who ruled Athens for about eight months in 404 and 403 BC, after Athens lost the Peloponnesian War.
Who led the Thirty Tyrants?
The most extreme leader was Critias, a relative of Plato and former student of Socrates. The more moderate Theramenes was also a member until he was executed.
What did the Thirty Tyrants do?
They abolished democratic institutions, restricted citizenship to 3,000 supporters, executed opponents and seized property. Around 1,500 people are said to have been killed.
How did the rule of the Thirty end?
Exiled democrats led by Thrasybulus seized Phyle and then Piraeus, defeating the Thirty's forces in 403 BC. Critias was killed in the fighting.
Why is the rule of the Thirty remembered?
The brutality of the Thirty left a deep mark on Athens. Their links to Socrates also contributed to the hostility that led to his trial in 399 BC.
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