Which Athenian leader is often credited with laying the foundations of democracy by reorganizing citizens into ten tribes based on residence rather than wealth?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: Cleisthenes
Cleisthenes' reforms in 508 BCE broke the power of aristocratic families by creating tribes that mixed citizens from different regions. This 'isonomia' (equality before the law) paved the way for the radical democracy of the 5th century.
Keep practicing
More Greek City-States questions
- The 'Agoge' was a rigorous state-sponsored education and training program mandatory for all male citizens in which city-state?
- What was the function of the 'Ostracism' process in the Athenian democratic system?
- The primary heavy infantry of the Greek city-states, known for their large shields and long spears, were called:
- In the Spartan government, the 'Ephors' were a group of five officials who held the power to:
- Which social class in Sparta consisted of enslaved laborers who worked the land and outnumbered the citizen population?
- What was the 'Agora' in a typical Greek city-state?