Died 527 B.C.E.
Tyrant Of Athens

Descendant of Solon. Pisistratus (also spelled Peisistratus) was born into an aristocratic Athenian family in the sixth century B.C.E.; an ancestor served as an archon in 669-668, and one of his mother's relatives was Solon. He distinguished himself in the war with Megara (570-565) and attempted to seize power in Athens in 560 and 556. At one point he slashed himself and drove his chariot into the agora (marketplace) to show the people how his enemies had attacked him. In 546 he finally succeeded in taking control of the city.

Golden Age. Pisistratus ruled Athens by the use of force, but as a turannos (tyrant) he was benevolent and law-abiding. Aristotle called his reign the "golden age"; it was noted for the expansion of industry and commerce, domestic tranquility, and neutrality in foreign affairs. A consummate politician, Pisistratus made a point...