Trivium
Curriculum/Early Athens/The Tyrant's Insult
Early AthensGrade 3grammar Stage

The Tyrant's Insult

After Pisistratus died, his sons Hippias and Hipparchus ruled together. Unlike their father, Hipparchus was cruel. He publicly insulted Harmodius and his sister, refusing to let her carry a sacred basket in a procession. This humiliation drove Harmodius and his friend Aristogiton to plot revenge against the tyrants.

The Text

What You'll Learn

1

Comprehension

Identifies Hippias and Hipparchus as the sons who ruled after Pisistratus

2

Cause & Consequence

Explains why the basket insult was so serious: it was a public humiliation

3

Significance

Explains how personal cruelty can turn people against rulers

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  • 1.Read the text carefully
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  • 3.Progress through each stage as you demonstrate understanding
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