Tyrants in ancient Greece weren't quite what we envision.
The great lawgiver of Athens, Solon, enacted compromises and democratic reforms, while keeping the basic social organization of the Athenian clans and tribes. Following the end of his time in power as archon, political factions and conflict developed. Pisistratus took advantage of the unrest. Backed by a foreign army, he took control of Attica as constitutional tyrant.

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