Cleisthenes:
Athenian statesman.(c.570-507 BC), who invented and implemented the concept of democracy and is thus beyond doubt one of the most important figures in world history! He reformed the political system by constructing ten demes, or municipalities in Athens, each with 50 representatives in the boule or parliament. Cleisthenes believed in the equal rights of all citizens, and as a consequence had many enemies in the oligarchy. He also introduced the practice of 'ostracism', or temporary banishment. His most important innovation was the basing of individual political responsibility on citizenship of a city rather than on membership of a clan. |
83rd
great-granduncle