ABSTRACT
I. The first symptom in Athens of the political crisis which, as in other of the Grecian states, marked the transition of power from the oligarchic to
the popular party, may be detected in the laws of Draco. Undue severity in the legislature is the ordinary proof of a general discontent: its success is rarely lasting enough to
confirm a government-its failure, when confessed, invariably strengthens a people. Scarcely had these laws been enacted when a formidable conspiracy broke out against the reigning oligarchy.1 It was during the archonship of Megacles (a scion of the great Alcmæonid family, which boasted its descent from Nestor) that the aristocracy was menaced by the ambition of an aristocrat.
