Cleisthenes
~570–508 BCE · Athenian Greek · Archaic Greece
Known for: Father of Athenian democracy—created the democratic system that Pericles later perfected
Cleisthenes reformed Athens' political system around 508 BCE, creating the foundations of democracy. He reorganized Athenian citizens into 10 new tribes (breaking aristocratic power), established the Council of Five Hundred (chosen by lot), and introduced ostracism—the ability to exile dangerous politicians by popular vote.
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