Summary
Highlights
In 510 BC, Cleisthenes, with the help of the Spartans, conquered Athens and ended the Peisistratid tyranny. As the head of the Alkmaionid noble family, he introduced the Cleisthenic Reforms around 508-507 BC, which are seen as a cornerstone of Athenian democracy. These reforms built upon those of Solon but aimed to reduce the strong influence of noble families.
To reduce the influence of noble families, Cleisthenes established a new political foundation based on communities, called 'Demen'. These Demes consisted of all citizens from a specific city or rural district. There were about 100 such Demes, which managed their local affairs through community assemblies, elected community leaders, and maintained citizen lists crucial for soldier enlistment.
The overall body of Demes was divided into thirty 'Trittyen' (or 'Trittys'). There were 10 city-Trittyen, 10 inland-Trittyen, and 10 coastal-Trittyen. These Trittyen served as administrative areas.
Cleisthenes completely reorganized the traditional 'Phylen' (tribes). The new Phylen were not based on old tribal affiliations but on geographical location and random selection. There were 10 Phylen, each composed of one city-Trittye, one inland-Trittye, and one coastal-Trittye, determined by lot. This ensured that each Phyle represented a diverse geographical area (city, inland, coast).
This reorganization significantly weakened the influence of noble families, as their power was typically tied to local dominance. By distributing each Phyle across three different regions, it became harder for any single noble family to exert control. While the four property classes remained, the constitution saw changes. The Council of 400 was replaced by the Council of 500, with 50 members per Phyle. The presidency of the Council rotated every 36 days among the Phylen, with the presiding Phyle setting the agenda for popular assemblies. Furthermore, individuals from the second property class could now become Archons (highest officials), which was previously only open to the first class.
From 500 BC onwards, military leaders were also elected by the popular assembly. A new measure called 'Ostrakismos' (ostracism) was introduced, allowing for a popular vote to banish individuals from the city for 10 years if they were suspected of trying to establish a sole rule. This was a precautionary measure; banished individuals retained their civil rights and property.
The Cleisthenic Reforms of 508-507 BC established a new political basis with Demes (communities). These led to 30 Trittys from which 10 Phylen (tribes) were drawn. Property classes remained, but constitutional changes were introduced to promote greater democracy.