Athenian Revolution

Quick Facts: Who was Athenian Revolution?

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Athenian Revolution

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The Athenian Revolution (508–507 BCE) established participatory democracy in Athens.

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Origins & Early Life

The Athenian Revolution (508–507 BCE) was a revolt by the people of Athens that overthrew the ruling aristocratic oligarchy, establishing the almost century-long self-governance of Athens in the form of a participatory democracy – open to all free male citizens. It was a reaction to a broader trend of tyranny that had swept through Athens and the rest of Greece. According to legend, Athens was formerly ruled by kings, a situation which may have continued up until the 9th century BCE. During this period, Athens succeeded in bringing the other towns of Attica under its rule. This process of synoikismos – the bringing together into one home – created the largest and wealthiest state on the Greek mainland, but it also created a larger class of people excluded from political life by the nobility.

Career & Major Achievements

From later accounts, it is believed that these kings stood at the head of a land-owning aristocracy known as the Eupatridae (the 'well-born'), whose instrument of government was a Council which met on the hill of Areopagus and appointed the chief city officials known as archons. The archon was the chief magistrate in many Greek cities, but in Athens there was a council of archons which exerted a form of executive government. From the late 8th century BCE there were three archons: the archon eponymos (chief magistrate), the polemarchos (commander-in-chief), and the archon basileus (the ceremonial vestige of the Athenian monarchy). The archon eponymous was the chief archon, and presided over meetings of the Boule and Ecclesia, the ancient Athenian assemblies. The archon eponymous remained the titular head of state even under the democracy, though with much reduced political importance.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In 753 BCE the perpetual archonship by the Eupatridae were limited to 10 year terms (the "decennial archons"). After 683 BCE the offices were held for only a single year. By the 7th century BCE, social unrest had become widespread, as Athens suffered a land and agrarian crisis. Many Greek city-states had seen the emergence of tyrants, opportunistic noblemen who had taken power on behalf of sectional interests. In Megara, Theagenes had come to power as an enemy of the local oligarchs.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Athenian Revolution

True or False: “The initial ruling class of Athens, the Eupatridae, were always completely excluded from political life until the reforms of Solon.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While they held significant power initially, the text notes that even under democracy, the archon eponymous retained a titular head of state role.

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