Role of Pisistratus in Athens; Success

Question

Description

An Assignment on the Development of Democracy in Athens

Among the learning outcomes for the course is an understanding of the early experimentation with democracy. The two questions below require that you conduct a small amount of research and report your finds.

You will write a short essay (2-3 pp.) for the course, on one of the question detailed below. You are free to use whatever sources you find useful. I will open a discussion panel here for folks to post search strategies and results, contributions will count as participation. All sources should be referenced properly (you may put the “Works Cited” at the foot of the last page). Please use a serifed font at about 12 pts., double or 1.67x spaced, and one inch margins all around. This document is in Book Antiqua 12, though single spaced. Arial and Microsoft Sans Serif are examples of unserifed fonts.

Questions

1. While Athens achieved its heights under the democratic government, lead by Pericles, the earlier tyrant Pisistratus did much in his long rule of the city to lessen the power of aristocrats in politics and the economy. But he is a controversial figure, that Weisner and the text avoid. What did Pisistratus do gain the trust of the lower class and obtain power? What policies and projects did he pursue to benefit his supporters and better the standing of Athens in the ranks of the city-states?

2. Pisistratus died in power, leaving his two sons, Hippias and Hipparchus, to run Athens. Who are Aristogeiton and Harmodius? How do their actions precipitate the end of the sons’ rule, and in what manner?