Early life and political career:
-Cleisthenes was a member of the prominent Alcmaeonid family in ancient Athens.
-He played an active role in Athenian politics and emerged as a leader of the democratic faction.
-In 508/7 BCE, Cleisthenes' faction came to power, defeating the aristocratic faction led by Isagoras.
Reforms:
-Cleisthenes' most significant contribution was the introduction of a new system of territorial tribes and demes.
- He divided Attica, the region around Athens, into ten new tribes based on geographic regions.
-Each tribe was further subdivided into demes, which were local communities within Attica.
Assembly and Council:
- He reformed the Athenian assembly (Ecclesia), making it open to all male citizens regardless of wealth or social status.
- The Ecclesia became the central decision-making body in Athens and was responsible for electing officials, passing laws, and overseeing public affairs.
- Cleisthenes also established a new council (Boulê) to prepare legislation and manage administrative matters.
-The Boulê was composed of 500 citizens selected annually by lot, ensuring a broad representation of the Athenian citizenry.
Social and Political Reforms:
- Cleisthenes introduced reforms aimed at reducing the power of wealthy aristocratic families and promoting social equality.
- He introduced the practice of ostracism, whereby any citizen could be exiled for ten years if deemed a threat to democracy.
- Ostracism was intended to prevent the rise of tyrants or the concentration of power in the hands of a few individuals.
Legacy:
- Cleisthenes' reforms laid the foundation for the Athenian democracy that flourished in the 5th and 4th centuries BCE.
-His reforms marked a shift from an aristocracy-dominated political system to a more inclusive democracy involving a wider participation of Athenian citizens in governance.
- Cleisthenes' democratic reforms had a profound influence not only on ancient Athens but also on subsequent democratic systems around the world. His name remains synonymous with the principles of democracy and civic participation in government.