Pisistratus (circa 600-527 BCE), or Peisistratus, was an ancient Greek tyrant who ruled the city-state of Athens. Initially a student of the lawgiver and political philosopher Solon, Pisistratus presented himself as the champion of the poor, disenfranchised masses of Athens, and used their support to seize power in 560 BCE. Though he was ousted from the city five years later, he was twice reinstated and came to power for the third and final time in 546 BCE. He ruled as a tyrant, which, in the ancient Greek context, did not necessarily carry the negative connotation it has today, but merely referred to a ruler with near absolute power. As tyrant, he appeased the poor by granting them new farmlands and spent the final years of his rule developing the city of Athens itself, facilitating the growth of trade, religion, and culture. When he died in 527 BCE, he was succeeded to the tyranny by his two sons, the Pisistratids.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original definition at https://www.worldhistory.org/Pisistratus/.
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- Do you think Pisistratus was more of a helpful leader or a harmful one?
- Was Pisistratus smart to use religion and culture to keep power?
- Did Pisistratus help Athens move closer to democracy or away from it?
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