Draconian Measures: The History of Athenian Law
from Draco to Democracy
Many of us have often used the phrase "Draconian Measures" to indicate that strict
rules have been applied in a certain situation. Also, the word "Democracy" is used daily by
government officials and citizens as well. Few people, however, know the
story of the Mythical Law Giver Draco, and of the circumstances which lead to the
establishment of the very first DEMOCRACY, at the end of the sixth century B.C.
in ancient Athens.
In this presentation, we will follow the story and
the social events, which occurred between the laws of Draco and the establishment
of the Athenian Democracy by Cleisthenes. The awareness of all these will help
us ask important questions about our present, and help as grow as people
and as citizens as well. We will realize how different and yet how similar our
circumstances are with those of the mythical and historical past, and this will
increase our ability to communicate better not only with the people around us but
also with those around the world.
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