What impact did Pisistratus have on the democracy in Athens?

- Instituted social and economic reforms; alleviated debt

burden of the poor to promote social harmony

- Expanded political participation by allowing more citizens (thetes)

to serve in government

- Supported public works projects that provided employment and

improved infrastructure, such as temples, aqueducts, roads

- Patronized arts and literature (including Homeric epics),

enhancing cultural life

Negative:

- Weakened the power of aristocratic families to strengthen his

control

- Used populist measures and military force to maintain power

instead of relying solely on constitutional means

- Laid the foundation for his sons, Hippias and Hipparchus, to

become tyrants, leading to the eventual overthrow of

the tyranny and the establishment of a more stable democracy