The Rule of Pisistratus:
The Third Time's a Charm ( or If at First You Don't Succeed, Tyrant, Tyrant Again)
Pisistratus (Peisistratus) was a tyrant that ruled in Athens during the 6th century
B.C. The manner in which he achieved that position is a colourful tale. His achievements during his rule were equally effective and successful. The following will touch on
Pisistratus’ rise to power, as well as discuss how his tyrannical rule effected political, cultural, and social institutions.
Around 594 B.C., Solon, a wise man, poet, and member of the aristocracy was elected leader of the archons in Athens. He reformed Athenian civil, economic, and agricultural laws, focusing especially on the debt crisis and the needs of the poor.
Ultimately, Solon would for point the polis towards the future of a full-fledged democracy. Satisfied with his progress, he stepped down from office and left Athens to travel and pursue his poetry. In order to maintain stability he had the population of
Athens pledge to keep his laws before he departed. Unfortunately, the Athenians did not hold true to their word and the polis slid backwards into a state of anarchy.
While the people of Athens were looking for someone like Solon to lead them back into some sense of stability again, Pisistratus, a military commander from the aristocratic class, was looking for an opportunity to become tyrant. Gaining the position however, would prove quite difficult. Three times he would attempt to take possession of power using tribes, trickery, and treasure. Pisistratus' first attempt at a rise to power was in 560 BC. With the support from the tribe known as the Men of the Hill, the poor majority of Athens, he orchestrated a coup. He ruled for five years before he was ousted by political party opposition. A few years later, he was reinstated to office by Megacles, the leader of the rival coastal tribe, on the condition that he marries his daughter. He re-

entered Athens gloriously dressed as Athena. Unfortunately, Pisistratus was forced out again in 555 BC by when Megacles discovered he was not having normal procreation sex with his daughter.
Deciding that wealth could be the key to success, Pisistratus ventured off into silver mining, and endeavour that made him a fortune. This gave him the means to set into place a successful plan to once and for all acquire the tyrannical rule of Athens. He bought his own Greek mercenary army. They were then joined by other Athenians who were against the strife caused by the aristocracy. Ironically, although he came from the aristocratic class, Pisistratus supported the rights of the common man. Together with his forces, they defeated the government army in a great battle. In 546 BC, Pisistratus became tyrant of Athens until his death from natural causes on his third and final attempt.
Proactive to protect his tyrannical position, he finagled the election of archons, making sure his family and friends garnered the top positions. (He wanted to help the “every man” over the aristocracy, as long as his dictates came first). As an added assurance to retaining his power, his mercenary cronies held potential aristocratic opponents at bay by taking their heirs and holding them as hostages.
Pisistratus finally got what he wanted, but did Athens? What, if any, contributions did he make to this city-state? Overall, even though he was a tyrant, his rule moved Athens forward towards democracy, in a positive direction. This is reflected in the fact that he maintained Solon's laws and system. Historical writer Herodotus confirms
“…Pisistratus ruled the Athenians, disturbing in no way the order of offices nor changing the laws, but governing the city according to its established constitution and arranging all things fairly and well” (Herodotus,
The Histories 1.59.6) .

As with Solon, Pisistratus wanted to further strengthen the economy especially in respect to agriculture and commerce. Agriculturally, he wanted to create land loans to the needy and to further the cultivation of the olive as a way to boost the economy, which it did. Due to the Athenian population growth, Pisistratus knew that it was not only important to keep internal agricultural interests growing, but protect the food grain supply that was coming in to Athens from outside sources. Therefore he created military outposts in key areas responsible for guarding the shipping lanes of the Black Sea. The idea was to get needy people the land to farm which would increase city– state food production, protect the steady flow of grain coming into the polis, and utilize the olive crop for both agricultural and commerce purposes. As a result of the success of the olive crop, black-figure vase pottery exploded during this time. It became a major player in
Athenian trade.
Pisistratus still kept taxation laws in place but with the proceeds going to help fund expansive building projects which helped to ease public relief efforts. These building projects not only made Athens the cultural mecca of Attica, they provided employment opportunity for the poor. With increased jobs came increased housing and the population of Athens grew again. One of his most important projects was the building of public fountain houses which were previously privately owned and guarded by aristocrats. On a religious note, he rebuilt the temple of Athena, and started to build a temple to Zeus, although it was not completed for centuries later by the Roman Hadrian because of its massive size.
Pisistratus instituted many festivals revolving around the worship of Dionysus,
(Bacchus in Roman culture), who was predominant in Pisistratus' time. Dionysian scenes

were popular subjects for vase art during his rule. Dionysus was the Greek god of wine, festivity, and pleasure. Pisistratus established dramatic competitions that were held during these festivals. They were the first of what would become known as the famous
Greek comedies and tragedies. Pisistratus was also responsible for commissioning the first editions of Homer’s literary masterpieces; the
Iliad and Odyssey.
He made Homeric recitations a part of the Panathenaic festival, which was held every four years in Athens.
Whether or not Pisistratus believed it was his destiny, or was just hungry for power, you have to admire his determination and perseverance. As his contemporary, philosopher Heraclitus (544-483BC) said “Big results require big ambitions.” Could this have been Pisistratus’ mantra? He will forever be known for overthrowing a fledgling democracy and turning it into a successful tyranny.

Works Referenced
Pomeroy, Sarah B., Stanley Mayer. Burstein, Walter Donlan, Jennifer Tolbert Roberts, and David W. Tandy. "The Growth of Athens and the Persian Wars." A Brief
History of Ancient Greece: Politics, Society, and Culture . 3rd ed. New York:
Oxford UP, 2014. 125-32. Print.
Sacks, David. "Peisistratus." Encyclopedia of the Ancient Greek World , Revised Edition.
Revised by Lisa R. Brody. New York: Facts on File, Inc., 2005. Ancient and
Medieval History Online . Facts on File, Inc. http://www.fofweb.com