Draconian constitution | |
---|---|
Created | c. 620 BC[1] |
Author(s) | Draco |
Signatories | Athenian aristocracy[2] |
Purpose | To resolve unequal accessibility to the acquirement of legal knowledge of oral law by replacing such with a written constitution[3] |
The Draconian constitution, or Draco's code, was a written law code enforced by Draco in Athens near the end of the 7th century BC; its composition started around 621 BC. It was written in response to the unjust interpretation and modification of oral law by Athenian aristocrats.[4] As most societies in Ancient Greece codified basic law during the mid-seventh century BC,[5] Athenian oral law was manipulated by the aristocracy[6] until the emergence of Draco's code. Around 621 BC the people of Athens commissioned Draco to devise a written law code and constitution, giving him the title of the first legislator of Athens. The literate could read the code at a central location accessible to anyone. This enactment of a rule of law was an early manifestation of Athenian democracy.[7][failed verification]
Such was, in outline, the first constitution, but not very long after the events above recorded, in the archonship of Aristaichmus, Draco enacted his ordinances.
... the nobles could no longer twist the laws as they willed ...
It was not until the middle of the seventh century BC that the Greeks first began to establish official laws.
Not only do the aristocratic families of Attica hold nearly all political power ...(The text is set in context during the time of aristocracy of the state of Athens before the establishment of the Draconian constitution, so before circa 620 BC.)
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