Peisistratids

The Peisistratids, also known as the Pisistratids, were an Athenian noble family that dominated the politics of Athens from approximately 546 to 510 BCE. They were descendants of the prominent Athenian aristocrat Pisistratides, who was said to have been born out of wedlock to the legendary Athenian king Codrus. The family's prosperity and influence were largely due to their control over the city's all-important silver mines and their strategic marital alliances with other prominent Athenian families.

The Peisistratids rose to power during the reign of Pisistratides I, who seized control of Athens in 546 BCE with the assistance of the Pisistratidal family. Pisistratides I established a tyranny, and his rule was characterized by a mix of Athenian and Persian customs. His son, Hippeires, was allegedly involved in the assassination of several of Pisistratides I's fellow leaders. Hippeires eventually succeeded his father as the head of the Peisistratid dynasty.

Pisistratides II, also known as Hippias, succeeded his father Hippeires in 510 BCE. He is said to have made extensive modifications to the Athenian government, which included installing a council called the Probouloi, probable decisions to makers to replace the Council of Ten. However, opposition to the Peisistratid rule eventually led to a period of civil unrest, which culminated in a successful revolt against the family in 510 BCE. This marked the end of the Peisistratid dynasty, with Alcmaeonid and others asserting control over the city. The reforms introduced by the Peisistratids, however, had a lasting impact on Athenian politics.