Democracy In The Tyranny Of Hippias

Tyrants have, in their self-centred efforts, devastated our city. Tyranny has not solved any unrest, and has left Athens in constant flux between suffering and flourishing. Democracy and the power in the hands of people, has helped us develop and will help us become the most powerful city in Greece for centuries to come. Tyrants have built impressive buildings, and reduced the power of the few aristocrats, but had far too much individual power. Democracy is far better as it puts power in the hands of men such as ourselves. Fellow councilmen, you know this to be true. Think upon the tyranny of Hippias. Hippas’ rule was especially problematic, as not only did he become cruel after the tragic death of his brother, but Hippias is pushing Persia to attack us. …show more content…
Hippas is encouraging Persia to enact his revenge, and we cannot let him devastate Athens. Persia might reinstate him, and he would probably be more cruel for now he is angry that Athens did not submit when Artaphernes “told the Athenian envoy ‘that if they wished to remain safe, they must receive back Hippias.’” (15). Submitting to Persia seals our fate and the fate of democracy. Surely they will enslave us and destroy our democracy as no one will be left to sing its praises. If Athens submits to Persia, we are submitting to slavery and tyranny, to foreign control and giving up all of our power. Our citizens will be treated worse than a Spartan helot! I hear your concerns my fellow councilmen, who are worried that Darius is merely trying to scare us into submission. You are not entirely