1. Who was Draco and how did he contribute to democracy? 2. Who was Solon and how did he contribute to democracy? 3. Who was Cleisthenes and how did he contribute to democracy? 4. Who was Pericles and how did he contribute to democracy?

History · Middle School · Tue Nov 03 2020

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Certainly! Let's explore the contributions of these influential figures to the development of democracy in ancient Greece:

1. Draco:

  • Draco was an ancient Athenian lawmaker who lived around 7th century BC.
  • He is primarily known for implementing a legal code known as "Draconian laws." These laws were extremely harsh and were known for their severity, particularly in terms of punishment for various crimes. However, they were crucial in providing written laws that applied equally to all citizens, reducing potential biases in legal judgments.

2. Solon:

  • Solon, an Athenian statesman and lawmaker (around 6th century BC), made significant contributions to early Athenian democracy.
  • He implemented economic and political reforms known as the "Solonian reforms." These reforms aimed to address social and economic inequalities by canceling debts, freeing debt slaves and introducing measures to prevent future tyranny. Solon also introduced the concept of a council open to all male citizens regardless of wealth, known as the Council of Four Hundred.

3. Cleisthenes:

  • Cleisthenes, an Athenian statesman from the late 6th to early 5th century BC, is often considered the father of Athenian democracy.
  • He reformed the Athenian constitution and introduced radical changes, such as reorganizing the political divisions of Athens based on geographical areas rather than kinship ties. This allowed for a more inclusive system where citizens participated based on their place of residence rather than family affiliations. Cleisthenes also established the Council of Five Hundred, a representative body tasked with proposing laws and policies.

4. Pericles:

  • Pericles was an influential Athenian statesman and orator during the Golden Age of Athens in the 5th century BC.
  • He is remembered for his leadership skills and contributions to the democratic system in Athens. Pericles expanded the involvement of ordinary citizens in governance and introduced payment for public service, allowing poorer citizens to participate in the government. He also facilitated the development of Athenian culture, arts, and architecture, contributing to the city's cultural advancement during his tenure.

Each of these figures made significant contributions that shaped the evolution of democracy in ancient Athens, laying the groundwork for the democratic principles that influenced later forms of governance.