Expert: Maria - 11/24/2009

Question
Were the oligarchs for or against reconciliation after the thirty tyrants? why?

Answer
Hello,

Actually this question would need a very long answer considering the whole political, economic situation of Athens in 403 BC, after the expulsion of the Thirty Tyrants, i.e.  that  pro-Spartan oligarchy which was installed in the “polis” after its defeat in the Peloponnesian War in 404 BC  and severely reduced the rights of Athenian citizens.

Anyway, I can say briefly that,  since  there were two groups within the ranks of the Athenian oligarchs - a moderate group and an extreme group - the moderates who were for reconciliation tried to exert all their influence on the more extreme elements in order to pave the way for a reconciliation between oligarchic and democratic elements so that democracy can be restored.

This in brief, of course, just because it is impossible to answer such a question without referring to every aspect of the very complex Athenian situation after its defeat in the Peloponnesian War, the oppressive regime of the Thirty Tyrants and finally the hard conflict between oligarchs and democratics.

Regards,
Maria