Ephialtes of Athens

Ephialtes led a reform that stripped the Areopagus of most of its political powers, including the right to veto laws and supervise magistrates. These powers were transferred to the Boule, the Assembly, and the popular courts. This reform completed the radicalization of Athenian democracy.

Ephialtes helped negotiate an alliance between Athens and Argos, a traditional enemy of Sparta. This alliance strengthened Athens' position in the Peloponnese and contributed to the growing tension that led to the First Peloponnesian War.

Ephialtes was assassinated by an unknown assailant, likely an oligarchic opponent. His death removed the leading radical democrat from the scene, but his reforms remained in place. Pericles then emerged as the leading democratic politician in Athens.