← Explore on the interactive map

Tyranny of Peisistratus

Type Event Region Europe Time c. -561–-527

Between about 561 and 527 BCE, the Athenian aristocrat Peisistratus seized the tyranny three times, promoting policies favorable to the common people…

Timeline

  1. c. -561–-556Athens · AtticaWith the support of the common people and the hill faction, Peisistratus seized power in Athens by force, establishing his first tyranny, but was soon driven out by the aristocratic opposition.
  2. c. -556–-546Athens · AtticaAfter a brief restoration, Peisistratus went into exile again, during which he accumulated wealth and foreign support in preparation for his third seizure of power.
  3. c. -546–-527Athens · AtticaPeisistratus returned to Athens with mercenaries, established a secure tyranny, and implemented land loans, public construction, and cultural policies such as the Panathenaea, promoting the city-state's prosperity.

Sources