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Curriculum/Early Athens/The Bloody Laws of Draco
Early AthensGrade 3grammar Stage

The Bloody Laws of Draco

After Codrus, Athens was ruled by archons instead of kings. The rich oppressed the poor, so a new law code was needed. Draco made laws so severe that even stealing a cabbage was punished by death - people said his laws were written in blood. The Athenians drove Draco into exile. When Cylon tried to make himself king, his followers were promised safety but were killed anyway when their protective cord broke.

The Text

What You'll Learn

1

Comprehension

Explains that Athens was ruled by archons after refusing to have kings

2

Cause & Consequence

Explains why new laws were needed: the rich oppressed the poor

3

Significance

Explains that laws must be reasonable, not just strict

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