Cleisthenes of Athens

(born c. 570 BC—died c. 508) Athenian statesman and chief archon (525–524), regarded as the founder of Athenian democracy. A member of the Alcmaeonid family, he allied himself with the Ecclesia (citizens' assembly) in 508 and imposed democratic reforms by which the basis of organization was changed from family and clan to locality. The four blood tribes were replaced by 10 local tribes, each with representation from city, coast, and hill areas. The boule (representative council) grew to 500 members. He based all his reforms on isonomia (“equal rights for all”).

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