21.3 The Junta
<p>Athens was still required to be governed by its ancestral constitution. The requirement was vague, but clearly the Spartans expected Athens to abandon its radical democracy that had been so aggressive and, increasingly, so irresponsible. At one Assembly meeting it was proposed to appoint a commission to revise the constitution. <strong>Theramenes</strong> spoke in favor, while democrats shouted out against it. <strong>Lysander</strong>, who was present, stood up to threaten dire consequences for Athens if they rejected the proposal. Clearly Sparta was imposing an oligarchic regime on Athens.</p>
<p>A <strong>ruling body</strong> that was also a constitutional commission was set up consisting of <strong>thirty men</strong>, of whom the most notable were <strong>Critias</strong>, friend of Socrates and relative of Plato, and <strong>Theramenes</strong>. They proceeded to name ten magistrates to govern the port of Piraeus, including <strong>Charmides</strong>, first cousin of Critias and uncle of Plato; and then, ominously, eleven wardens to manage the prison and three hundred “whip-bearers” or constables — who were available also as bodyguards for the Thirty.</p>
<p><a href="https://medium.com/the-first-philosophers/21-3-the-junta-38d5357d8212"><strong>Website</strong></a></p>