v45_0094 - ATTIQUE - ATHÈNES Tétradrachme

ATTICA - ATHENS

(510-490 BC)

The sixth century in Athens was marked by the domination of Peisistratus and his sons Hippias and Hipparchus (561-510 BC). The eviction of the last son of Peisistratus in 510 BC allowed the establishment of a democratic regime. This birth of Democracy was accompanied by the introduction of a new monetary type with the head of Athena and the owl. "The owls" of Athens would very quickly dominate the Greek world during the nascent 5th century. Indeed Athens will become the champion of the fight against the Persian enemy from the Ionian revolt of 494 BC. Darius I, then Xerxes will be the implacable enemies of the Greeks and the Athenians in particular. The first confrontation took place at Marathon in 490 BC. The Athenians emerged strengthened from this first round and acquired the status of "leader" of the Greek world. As the war resumed, the fact that Athens was ravaged by the Persian army, gave even more value to the naval victory of Salamis which saw the triumph of "David against Goliath". The Fifth century can begin and will allow Athens to shine on the Greek world.