This is the X-ray fluorescence imaging that was developed by researchers at Cornell University. A relatively new technology, however, may be able to reveal the hidden texts on stone stelae. Thus, the original content of Draco’s laws are lost to us, and only preserved by Aristotle. Whilst stone is definitely a more durable material than wood, its inscriptions may be lost through weathering after being exposed to the elements over the centuries. Death), and I have no higher for the greater crimes.’ With so much human blood shed is the dispensation of justice, it is no wonder that Draco’s laws were said to be written in blood.Īpart from the wooden tablets, which were said to have lasted for 200 years, Draco’s laws were also chiselled onto stone tablets. The writer also records that when Draco was asked the reason for making execution the punishment for most offences, the reply was that ‘Small ones deserve that (i.e. Plutarch, another ancient source for Draco, in his Life of Solon, claims that the penalty for the theft of an apple or a cabbage was death, and you could have someone made your personal slave if they owed you money. Although a literal reading may be applied, a metaphorical interpretation would be equally valid. According to Aristotle, one of the few ancient sources we have for Draco, the laws were written in human blood, not ink. This meant that all who were literate would be able to know the contents of his laws. Returning to Draco’s laws, they were first written on wooden tablets. Prior to Draco, laws were given orally ( ancientcivilisations77 ) Such a great amount of these garments were thrown on him, however, that Draco suffocated and died. By throwing their hats, shirts and cloaks on his head. According to the story, whilst Draco was at the Aeginetan theatre, his supporters decided to show their approval in the traditional Greek manner, i.e. According to folklore, Draco’s death was caused by his popularity. Apart from this, very little is known about Draco himself.
#DRACONIAN SYNONYM CODE#
It is said that Draco established his code of laws in 622/1 B.C. This meant that the legal system was unfair, and could easily be exploited by the aristocratic class for their own benefit. During this period, oral laws were used, and were under the control of the aristocratic class. As one may already suspect from the common usage of the term ‘draconian’, which is synonymous with severity, Draco’s laws were brutal.ĭraco lived in Athens during the 7 th century B.C. The man who was responsible for providing Athens with a written law code was a man known as Draco. The institution of such a law code eliminated the (often unjust) interpretation of oral laws which were once the prerogative of the Athenian aristocrats. One of the cornerstones for the establishment of Athenian democracy was the introduction of a written law code that could only be enforced by a court. Athens is perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of democracy.
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