Isagoras facts for kids

Isagoras (Greek: Ἰσαγόρας), son of Tisander, was an important Athenian leader in ancient Greece during the late 500s BC. He belonged to a powerful and wealthy family, known as an aristocrat.

Isagoras

Isagoras lived in Athens when a ruler named Hippias was in charge. This was a time of "tyranny," meaning one person had all the power. After Hippias was removed from power, Isagoras became involved in a struggle for control of Athens. He was competing with another powerful leader named Cleisthenes.

Conflict with Cleisthenes

In 508 BC, Isagoras was chosen as the archon eponymous. This was a very important position, like being the chief leader of the city for a year. However, Cleisthenes and most of the people in Athens did not support Isagoras.

The Spartan Intervention

Because he lacked support in Athens, Isagoras asked for help from his old friend, King Cleomenes I of Sparta. Cleomenes had stayed with Isagoras before and was happy to help.

In 507 BC, with Cleomenes' help, Isagoras forced Cleisthenes and his family, the Alcmaeonidae, to leave Athens. Isagoras claimed they had a "stain" or a bad past related to their family (see Megacles).

The Athenian Uprising

The people of Athens, who supported Cleisthenes, did not like Isagoras' actions. They revolted against Isagoras and his Spartan allies. The Athenians managed to trap Isagoras and the Spartans on the Acropolis, a fortified hill in Athens, for two days.

On the third day, they made a deal. Cleomenes and Isagoras were allowed to leave Athens safely. However, about 300 of Isagoras' supporters were captured and executed.

Legacy

After Isagoras and the Spartans left, Cleisthenes returned to Athens. He then introduced many important changes that led to the creation of Athenian democracy. This new system gave more power to the citizens and is considered a major step in the history of government.