Circa 570-Circa 508 B.C.E.
Athenian Statesman

Noble Ideals. Cleisthenes (also spelled Clisthenes) was born into the aristocratic Alcmaeonid family and was the grandson of the tyrant Cleisthenes of Sicyon. In 546 B.C.E. Pisistratus forced his family into exile; little is known of Cleisthenes during his time abroad. Upon returning to Athens he served as arkhon (magistrate) from 525 to 524 and became the people's champion by attempting to implement the democratic reforms of Solon. Isagoras, leader of the city's aristocratic faction, had him expelled in 508, but he was quickly recalled. His political system was based upon locality rather than family and clan. Cleisthenes reorganized the citizens into 139 demes (political districts), and this arrangement resulted in a redistribution of power and allowed nonaristocratic citizens an opportunity to participate in government. As a result, Cleisthenes is regarded as the founder of Athenian democracy.

Source:

William George Forrest, The Emergence...