TRUCULENT TYRANTS PISISTRATUS & HIS SONS TRUMPED UP TROUBLE IN ATHENS AFTER SOLON LEFT

By Sasha Alex Lessin, Ph.D. (Anthropology, UCLA)

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Anunnaki, Trade, and Turmoil in Greece

Around 600 BCE, the Greeks were entangled in the broader world ruled by Anunnaki overlords—extraterrestrial elites from Planet Nibiru. These rulers, often disguised as gods, such as Marduk (also known as Zeus), interacted with humanity through hybrids and favored bloodlines. Marduk’s Phoenician agents traded with Greek outposts from Tyre to Carthage, embedding Greek societies deeper into the web of Mesopotamian, Egyptian, and North African influence.

Despite mountainous terrain limiting grain production, the Greeks colonized fertile coasts from the Aegean to Southern France, spreading their language, crafts, and religious practices, which conveniently mirrored those of the Anunnaki “gods.”

Slavery, Oligarchy, and the Rise of the Tyrants

With colonization came wealth and inequality. Greek aristocrats enriched themselves on the backs of slaves and indebted peasants. Even in Sparta, where commoner-soldiers (Helots) served instead of slaves, the elite demanded tribute in the form of crops.

As wealth consolidated among landowners and traders, oligarchies replaced kings. These new elites taxed the poor, seized lands due to debts, and drove many Athenians into debt bondage.

Cue the populist strongmen—the TYRANTS. Ambitious aristocrats, echoing modern-day populists like Trump, saw opportunity in chaos. They rose on the shoulders of angry commoners, promising reform while seizing total power.

Solon’s Revolution

Solon addressed a diverse Athenian crowd.

In 594 BCE, the reformer Solon who had traveled and traded Greek crafts and goods returned to Athens, was elected Dictator to roll back the harsh laws of Draco, attempted to reform the city’s political system. He banned debt slavery, opened lawmaking to all Athenians, and randomized many political appointments to prevent elite control. Then he left Athens to explore the East, where he no doubt absorbed even more Anunnaki-influenced knowledge.

Pisistratus: Trickster, Populist, Tyrant, took over

With Solon gone, Pisistratus staged a phony assassination attempt—a dramatic, Trump-style charade. Bloodied and theatrical, he rolled into the Agora claiming he needed protection. The Assembly gave him a bodyguard. Soon, these “guards” seized the Acropolis, and Pisistratus became ruler.

Though a tyrant, Pisistratus used clever PR: he patronized culture, supported the poor, taxed wealthy merchants, and built Athens’ naval and commercial power. He forged alliances with immigrant populations and rural workers, even forgiving former enemies, buying loyalty with his wealth.

Banished twice, he returned both times—once escorted by PHYE, a tall woman dressed as Athena, in one of history’s earliest political theater stunts. This divine cosplay won over the crowd.

Pisisratus’ Sons

Hipparchus promoted arts and culture.

Hippias, the elder, managed politics and economics.

Their co-rule started peacefully. But after Harmodius and Aristogeiton assassinated Hipparchus (likely for personal and political reasons), Hippias snapped.

He turned paranoid and oppressive, raising taxes, exiling dissenters, and stoking rage. Eventually, even conservative Sparta stepped in and expelled him.

Legacy: Tyranny with a Twist

The Pisistratids’ rule demonstrates that tyranny can assume many forms: that of a populist hero, a cultural benefactor, or a vengeful ruler. Their reign reveals how power thrives in chaos, how elites manipulate, and how ordinary people often trade freedom for order—until it becomes too much.

Herodotus reports that the ruse was successful because many common Athenians were superstitious and unfamiliar with political theater. They truly believed Athena had returned Pisistratus to them as a divinely chosen ruler.