mf a.k.a Pisistratus (but I like the other spelling better)
Life
- Reigned in 546–527 BC
- 3 attempts at tyranny
- Self-wounding, granted armed guard (560 – 559 BC)
- Married Megacles' daughter, brought back into Athens by “Athena” (558 – 556 BC)
- After exile, return with mercenary force, “battle” at Pallene (547 – 546 BC)
- Established his rule very quickly
- Seemingly without resorting to violence, there must’ve a lot of popular support
- Suceeded in exiling the entire Megacles and the entire Alcmaeonidae clan for an entire generation
Reign
- All in all, a fairly benevolent ruler
- Built large public projects
- By levying a small tax on agricultural products
Large temples and altars were constructed for Zeus Olympios, Apollo Pythios, and the Twelve Gods. In addition, an extensive system of aqueducts and fountainhouses brought a reliable supply of good clean water into the city.
- By levying a small tax on agricultural products
- Allowed for state-supported agricultural loans to small farmers
- Set up circuit judges
- Cleared the Agora of private dwellings
- Perserved Solon’s constitution, except that his followers hold the highest offices
- Established panathenian games and Dionysia (festivals of Dionysus)
- Athenian coinage was introduced
