Thirty Tyrants

The Thirty Tyrants were a pro-Spartan oligarchy installed in Athens after Athens' defeat in the Peloponnesian War in 404 BC. Its two leading members were Tharamenes and Critias, who had been an acolyte of Socrates'.

The Thirty severely reduced the number of, and rights of, Athenian citizens. Instead of all Athenians participating in legal functions, only 500 specially selected could. Only 3,000 people had the right to carry weapons or receive a jury trial. Hundreds of Athenians were killed (they were ordered to drink hemlock) and thousands were exiled.

The Thirty Tyrants were overthrown by Thrasybulus with help from Thebes.