Transformation of government
- During the seventh and sixth centuries B.C.E, aristocrats ran the show in most of Greece
- Rich people held more influence in society, and held much more governmental power, than the middle class and the poor
Aristocracy
- Aristocracy is rule by aristocrats
- They attend symposiums, where the elite men would enjoy wine and poetry, performances by dancers and acrobats, and the company of hetaeres (courtesans) while discussing politics
An Exclusive Club
- No women (except the "entertainment")
- No middle class
- Certainly, no slaves
- Sometimes, even certain aristocrats (who didn't have the right connections or who fell out of favor) were excluded/ ostracized
- What to do if you're "on the outside"?
Tyrants Seize Control
- Sometimes aristocrats would form alliances with hoplites (well-armed soldiers), and set up an alternative form of government called a tyranny
- Tyrant: someone who rules outside the framework of the polis
- Modern meaning of a tyrant: an abusive or oppressive ruler
- The Greek meaning of Tyrant: someone who simply seized power (usually with hoplite help)
Clash of the tyrants
- Hippias was a tyrant who ruled from 527 to 510 BCE
- His brother was murdered, and his rule became harsh
- Eventually he was expelled from Athens (being ostracized)
- In revenge, he began working with the Persian King Darius I, helping them invade marathon
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