1. The Development of Democracy in Athens

2. Early Athens Evolved from monarchy to aristocracy
Eupatrids- Sons of good fathers
Discontent with aristocracy
632BCE- Kylon attempted Tyranny- put down by people of Athens
620BCE- Draco(n)- snake- set down the traditional laws of Athens

3. Solon
594BCE- Solon becomes Archon- chosen to restructure the political and economic systems of Athens as he saw fit
Aristocrat, but not wealthy
Trusted by both rich and poor

4. The Reforms of Solon Debt Slavery
Elimination of debt slavery- those unjustly enslaved
Freed all current debt slaves in Athens
Bought back Athenians sold abroad
Abolished any further debt slavery

5. Economic Reforms No Export other than olive oil (food price control)
Fathers must teach sons a trade
Sons must support fathers in their old age

6. Political Reforms
Substituted wealth for birth as criterion for holding office
Wealth based on land production
Council of 400 established
100 men from each of the 4 traditional tribes of Athens
Council debated and vetted issues before sending to assembly for a vote
Assembly would interpret laws and vote on issues sent to it
Thetes (lowest class of free men) allowed to attend assembly
Right to appeal judicial decisions of Archons to the Council

7. Rewrote Laws of Drakon
Eliminated death penalty except for murder and manslaughter
Made most punishments much less harsh

8. Tyranny of Pisistratus
Began in 560BCE
Gained support of poor through economic and other reforms
Reduced power of aristocratic families
Building projects
Supported cults

9. Cleisthenes 525BCE- Cleisthenes becomes Archon
Begins series of reforms