SIEGE OF THE ACROPOLIS OF ATHENS IN 508–507 BC

Sergey G. Karpyuk

doi:10.33581/j0819970

Authors

Sergey G. Karpyuk Institute of World History, Russian Academy of Sciences

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33581/j0819970

Keywords:

Ancient Greece, Acropolis of Athens, demos, Cleomenes, Isagoras, Cleisthenes

Abstract

The significance of the siege of the Acropolis of Athens in 508–507 BC is considered, when, after the uprising of Athenian citizens against Spartan rule, the Spartan king Cleomenes and his protege Isagoras established themselves there. The Athenian demos was able to win, achieving the departure of the Spartans. However, it was after these events that the role of the Acropolis as a defensive structure was reduced to a minimum. It is noted that the successful actions of the Athenian demos against Cleomenes and Isagoras showed the limited capabilities of the Acropolis as a fortress, especially in the event of a long-term siege by a large army. The Acropolis lost its fortification significance and began to turn into the cultural and religious center of the Athenian state. A short siege of the fortress in 508–507 BC became a turning point in this process. The Athenians began to view the Acropolis as a symbol of the city, devoid of independent defensive significance.

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