made radical democratic reforms
of Athenian Constitution
abolished tribal/clan system and invented
10 new tribes which included
members from every geographic section of Attica.
Introduced a Council of 500
(replacing the Solonic council of 400). Each tribe contributed
50 members (the tribe nominated more than 50 and the 50 were
chosen by lot).
The Council became the most important adminstrative
institution in Attica, managing finances, judicial and foreign
affairs. Before any legislation could be considered in the
Ekklesia, it had to be debated in the council. Eligibility for
membership on the Council required status in the first two
economic classes.
Ostracism introduced.
Archons were still elected by Ekklesia, and still members of
the 2 highest economic classes.
Themistocles - Chief archon in 493/2
Changed elections of archons. Instead of direct elections, the
citizens now voted for a body of 100 candidates. The actual
archons were then chosen by lot from this body.
Strategoi (generals) were elected (1 from each tribe).
Pericles - dominance in 463
produced Aeschylus' play, the Persians, in 472
introduced pay for civic service (462)
restricted citizenship to those born of both an Athenian
mother and father (450)