Who were Solon and Cleisthenes?

Who were Solon and Cleisthenes?

Among the first people who made significant contributions to the development of the Athenian democracy were Solon (594 BC), Cleisthenes (508/7 BC), Pericles (495 – 429 BC) and Ephialtes (462 BC). Pericles was the longest serving democratic leader who contributed much development in democracy in the city.

What contributions did Solon and Cleisthenes?

The world’s first democracy developed in Athens at the same time that Athens was growing increasingly imperial. The basic outlines of the development of democracy run from Solon to Cleisthenes to Ephialtes to Pericles. Solon laid the basis for democracy through eliminating debt slavery.

How was ancient Greece affected by Solon and Cleisthenes?

Solon canceled existing debt, outlawed debt slavery, granted the poor the right of appeal, granted high offices to more citizens, granted citizenship to some foreigners, but the wealthy remain in power. Cleisthenes founded democracy and was a member of the politically active Alcmaeonid family.

What reforms did Solon and Cleisthenes make in Athens?

Solon had made all citizens equal before the law and reduced the influence of the landed Athenian aristocracy in the previous century, but in Classical Athens it was Cleisthenes who was credited with being the true founding father of Athenian democracy.

What is Solon known for?

Solon, the Athenian politician and lawmaker: Solon (638-558 BC) was an Athenian politician, lawmaker and poet. He is considered as the first innovative lawmaker that set the ground for the creation of democracy, the governmental system that made Athens powerful and granted the city its fame all over the centuries.

Who created democracy?

The ancient Greeks were the first to create a democracy. The word “democracy” comes from two Greek words that mean people (demos) and rule (kratos).

What contributions did Solon and Cleisthenes make to the development of democracy?

What contributions did Solon and Cleisthenes make to the development of Athenian democracy? Solon let all Athenian citizens participate in the Assembly and Cleisthenes created the Council of Five Hundred.

What is Cleisthenes known for?

Cleisthenes of Athens, Cleisthenes also spelled Clisthenes, (born c. 570 bce—died c. 508), statesman regarded as the founder of Athenian democracy, serving as chief archon (highest magistrate) of Athens (525–524).

What was Solon’s greatest contribution to Athens?

630 – c. 560 BC) was an Athenian statesman, lawmaker and poet. He is remembered particularly for his efforts to legislate against political, economic and moral decline in archaic Athens. His reforms failed in the short term, yet he is often credited with having laid the foundations for Athenian democracy.