Archons and the Areopagus Athenian democracy

just before reforms of solon in 7th century bc, athens governed few archons (three rising nine) , council of areopagus (appointed powerful noble families own members) . there seems have been type of citizen assembly, presumably of hoplite class. however, there seems little doubt arkhons, advice of areopagos, ran state. mass of people had no in government @ all.

solon s reforms allowed archons come of higher propertied classes , not aristocratic families. since areopagus made of ex-archons, mean weakening of hold of nobles there well. however, solon s creation of citizen s assembly, archons , areopagus still wielded great deal of power.

the reforms of cleisthenes meant archons elected assembly, still selected upper classes. areopagus kept power guardian of laws , gave areopagos power intervene , apply veto if council of 500 or assembly or magistrate acted or proposed act unconstitutionally , worked in practice.

ephialtes, , later pericles, reduced power of areopagus dramatically. assembly passed measure limit powers of areopagos, in effect stripping of controlling , supervisory powers. in play eumenides, performed in 458, aeschylus, himself noble, portrays areopagus court established athena herself. appears aeschylus trying preserve dignity of severely battered institution.