Ancient Greece: Oligarchic Constitution Of Ancient Athenian

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The ancient Athenians had used an oligarchic constitution; it was not a good era to be stricken with poverty. The aristocrats dominated the peasants, so much so that the peasants were dependent on them. The poor worked the fields of the rich for a portion of the harvest, and if the rent was not met, their wives and children were seized in order to pay it off.
Officials were chosen based on their birthright, at first for life, then for a decade. The officials consisted of the basileus, the traditional rulers, the polemarch, and the archon, which were responsible for newer traditions. Following the archon, the thesmothetae had been created. The thesmotheta were appointed for only a single year; they were in charge of writing and preserving statutes for the resolution of disputes. The officials occupied the Bucoleum, the town hall, the Epilyceum, and the thesmotheteum, in their respective orders. During Solon’s time, they all converged in the thesmotheteum, where they gave final judgment in lawsuits. The greatest of the affairs were handled by the council of the Areopagus, punishing the disorderly.
Soon after this, Draco passed his legislation. Political power was granted to those who owned land, as well as generals and cavalry commanders, who had legitimate sons over the age of
ten. A council of four hundred and one were appointed by men who had political power. Men were unable to hold office again until they all had a chance. Meetings were of great importance, if a member was absent, they were fined.
During the era of this government, people revolted against the notables. Eventually, Solon, a hero of the people, was appointed as reconciler and archon. Solon was an admirable citizen, although he belonged to the “middle” class. Upon acquiring political power, Solon liberated the citizens and ensured a peaceful future. Solon ended debtslavery and removed existing debts. Certain people used this to their advantage, amassing great wealth. Solon was, in a sense, a mediator between the rich and poor; he himself took the burden of their hatred for safety and honor of the citizens. He then created a constitution that replaced the ordinances of Draco. These laws were written on the kyrbeis and placed in the Basileus, and the archons swore an oath upon these laws. The laws were secured against amendments for one hundred years. He then divided the citizens into four classes: the five-hundred-bushel class, the cavalry, the rankers, and the laborers. The major offices were distributed among these classes: the archons, the treasurers, the sellers, the Eleven, and the colacretae. Officials were appointed by candidates elected from each tribe. There were four tribes, divided into three thirds and twelve naucrariae. The Areopagus were appointed once again to guard the laws, and watched over the most important affairs. The most important parts of Solon’s constitution regarded the ban on loans using a person as collateral, allowance ot seek retribution for those who had been wronged, and the right to appeal to the court. Solon’s laws were criticized and treated with hostility provoking him to travel. Solon ended up disappointing both parties, but saving his country. He speaks of this in his poetry: “This is how people will best follow their leaders:/ if they are neither unleashed nor restrained too much/ For excess breeds insolence, when great prosperity comes/ To men who are not sound of mind.”
The peace was kept for four years, however during the fifth year and five years thereafter, no archon was appointed due to strife. Damasias was finally appointed twelve years after Solon’s departure. The Athenians then appointed ten archons, from the Well-born, the rustics, and the workers for the people. The Athenian society remained in an unhealthy state for many years.
There were three factions: the plain, the coast, and the Diacria, whose leaders were Megacles, Lycurgus and Pisistratus. Pisistratus was the most democratic and had great distinction in the war against Megara. Pisistratus then married the daughter of Megacles and was worshiped by the Athenians. However, he did not hold the position of power long because of abstinence. He then amassed riches and took his rule by force, occupying the role of tyrant. It is said that he ruled over the city more as a citizen than a tyrant. Pisistratus maintained peace and respect during his rule, being recognized as a democratic and humane leader. However, that was erased when his sons took over, creating a much crueler regime. Pisistratus had many supporters among the aristocrats and the peasants because he behaved honorably to both.
Hipparchus and Hippias, Pisistratus’ sons birthed by his wife, were then in control of affairs due to their ages and reputations. Hippias was a sensible man and the head of the regime. His brother, Hipparchus was more drawn towards the arts and poetry. He was killed by Harmodius and Aristogiton whilst organizing the procession at the Leocoreum. The two were then killed; Harmodius by a bodyguard and Aristogiton by Hippias himself, out of rage. Subsequently, the tyranny became increasingly crueler. Hippias executed many people in a vindictive spirit as revenge for his brother’s death. Hippias became a bitter man and was dethroned by Cleomenes of Sparta.
Strife broke out yet again after the tyranny was overthrown, this time between Isagoras and Cleisthenes. Cleisthenes ended up becoming the leader and champion of the people. He distributed all the citizens through ten tribes in order for there to be more men running the state. Following this, he increased the council from four hundred men to five hundred. Cleisthenes ordered the men living ine their respective demes denounce their fathers’ names and used their demes in order to identify themselves. The demarchs were created, holding the same authority as the naucrari, and finally left the various groups of people to retain their traditions, appointing eponymous heroes for the tribes.
After accomplishing all this, the constitution ended up being substantially more democratic than Solon’s version, erasing many of Solon’s original laws; the polemarch became the leaders of the entire army. Relatives and friends of Hipparchus, son of Charmus, were ostracized, in order to maintain peace. The Athenians continued to ostracize tyrants and allies of tyrants, as well as anyone who was believed to be too powerful. In the year 481, all ostracized peoples were recalled due to Xerxes’ invasion.
The Athenians respected the authority of the Areopagus, which had restored its strength after the Persian wars. Due to this, the city was well governed during this time; the citizens were trained for war and had gained a good reputation. The heroes of the people were Aristides and Themistocles who were skilled in political and military arts, respectively, and had gained power as the general and adviser. The city was well governed and organized at this time. For nearly two decades after the Persian wars, the Areopagus was dominant. Ephialtes, son of Sophonides then became the hero of the people. He laid siege on the Areopagus, eliminating many of its members and bringing them to trial.
Pericles then took leadership, distinguishing himself as a leader when he prosecuted Cimon.
Pericles further weakened the Areopagus and grew the city’s naval power. Pericles was the first man to reward jury service, to counter Cimon, who was as wealthy as a tyrant. During the rule of Pericles, the constitution was relatively healthy, but following his death, it took a turn for the worse. The champions of the people following him were Nicias, Cleon, Theramenes, Cleophon, Callicrates, Thucydides, and Theramenes. The most favorable politicians following the older ones were Nucuas, Thucydides, and Theramnes who were public-spirited and behaved fatherly towards their fellow
citizens.