Transformation of the government

• During the centuries aristocrats ran the show most of Greeks influence in society, government than the middle class and poor people.

Aristocracy

• Ruled by aristocrats
• They attended symposiums, meetings where the elite men would enjoy wine, poetry performances by dancers and acrobats while discussing political parties  
• Escorted  from a company of hetaeras

Very exclusive clubs

• No women (except the "entertainment"
• No middle class or slaves
• Sometimes even certain aristocrats were excluded

Tyrants seize control

• Sometimes aristocrats would form alliances with hoplites (solders) and set up alternative form of government called tyrany

Tyrant- is someone who rules outside the framework of the Polis

Modern meaning- an abusive or oppressive ruler

Greek meaning- someone who simply seized power (usually with solder help)

Clash of Tyrants

Hippias- tyrant who held power for 17 years

• Brother was murdered, and his role became harsh
• Eventually he was expelled from Athens (ostracized)
• In revenge, he began working with the Persian kin Darius 1, helping them invade Marathon