> Greece> Government> Democracy> Rise of Democracy

Democracy Then and Now
The original democratic society faced many of the same problems seen in the 2000 presidential election in the U.S.

Solon's Reforms and Democracy
The Athenian leader Solon reformed a class system and instituted reforms that led to the beginning of democracy.

4 Tribes of Attica
The social organization of the Archaic Athenians.

Cylon & Draco and the Rise of Democracy
Cylon's supporters and Draco's thieves lost their lives along the Athenian road to democracy.

Cleisthenes and the 10 Tribes
Solon may have started the democratic reforms in Athens, but it was Cleisthenes who made them work.

Solon's Constitution and Democracy
Solon redefined citizenship so as to create the foundations of democracy. Before Solon, the eupatridai (nobles) had a monopoly on the government by virtue of their birth. Solon replaced the hereditary aristocracy with one based on wealth.