Tyranny

Transformation of Government

• During the 6th and 7th centuries BCE, the aristocrats were in charge of Greece
• Aristocracy is a rule by aristocrats
• Aristocrats attended meetings where men enjoyed wine, poetry, performances, and the company of hetaeras (courtesans/escorts) while talking about politics

An exclusive club

• In the club there were no:
•  women (except entertainment)
• middle class
• slaves
• certain people who had been kicked out or angered other aristocrats 

Tyrants seize control

• Some aristocrats formed alliances with hoplites (well-armed soldiers), and set up an alternative form of government called tyranny
• Tyrant: someone who rules outside the framework of the polis
• Modern meaning of tyrant: An abusive or oppressive leader
• Greek meaning of tyrant: Someone who seized power 

Clash of the tyrants

• Hippias was a tyrant who ruled from 527 to 510 BCE 
• His brother was murdered and his rule became harsh
• He was expelled from Athens (ostracized) 
• In revenge, he began with the Persian King Darius I, helping them invade Marathon