Here is the information needed to complete the worksheet about Cleisthenes, the Father of Democracy.
PERSONAL FACTS
*
Date of Birth: c. 570 BCE (around 570 Before Common Era)
*
Birthplace: Athens, Greece
*
Parents:
* Father: Megacles
* Mother: Agariste (of the powerful Alcmaeonid family)
*
Family: He was a member of the noble Alcmaeonid clan. His grandfather was also named Cleisthenes and was the tyrant of Sicyon.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
*
Created Democracy: In 508/507 BCE, he introduced major political reforms that established the first known democracy in the world.
*
Reorganized Tribes: He broke the power of the old aristocratic families by reorganizing the citizens into ten new tribes based on where they lived (demes), rather than their family lineage.
*
Established the Council of 500: He created a new council called the *Boule*, which consisted of 500 citizens (50 from each tribe). This council prepared business for the larger Assembly of citizens (*Ekklesia*).
*
Isonomia: He introduced the principle of "isonomia," which meant equality under the law for all male citizens.
*
Ostracism: He is often credited with introducing ostracism, a process where citizens could vote to exile a person who was becoming too powerful or dangerous to the state for ten years.
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of democracy worksheet.
