Cleisthenes

(noun)

A noble Athenian of the Alcmaeonid family, credited with reforming the constitution of ancient Athens, and setting it on a democratic footing in 508/7 BCE.

Related Terms

Examples of Cleisthenes in the following topics:

  • The Rise of Classical Greece

    • Classical Greece rose after the fall of the Athenian tyrants and the institution of Cleisthenes' democratic reforms, and lasted throughout the 5th and 4th centuries BCE.
    • But his rival, Cleisthenes, with the support of the middle class and aided by democrats, managed to take over.
    • Cleomenes intervened in 508 and 506 BCE, but could not stop Cleisthenes, who was then supported by the Athenians.
    • Modern bust of Cleisthenes, known as "the father of Athenian democracy," on view at the Ohio Statehouse, Columbus, Ohio.
    • Understand the significance of Cleisthenes' reforms to the rise of Classical Greece

  • Athens

    • With the help of an army from Sparta in 511/510 BCE, he was overthrown by Cleisthenes, a radical politician of aristocratic background who established democracy in Athens.