Ephialtes

Ephialtes ( Ἐφιάλτης; † 461 or 457 BC) was an Athenian statesman in ancient Greece.

He belonged to the group of politicians on who wanted the democratic rights even further than previously done in opposition to Kimon leaders ahead and also set a new course in foreign policy - as the main opponent were to them no longer the Persians, but Sparta - represented. Ephialtes campaigned for the overthrow of the Areopagus, composed mainly of members of the nobility. First, he led some trials against members of this body in which he criticized the corruption prevailing there. So he reached a loss of reputation of the Areopagus. 462/61 Kimon was in Messinia, to help the Spartans in the suppression of a riot; This took advantage of Ephialtes and interspersed that the Areopagus, the powers of the state administration and largely also on the judiciary were withdrawn. Instead, these powers were transferred to the People's Assembly, the Council of 500 and the Heliaia. As Kimon again returned, he tried to undo this, but was ostrakisiert ( banished by ostracism from Athens). This meant the final victory for Ephialtes. But soon after, he was - probably by a contract killer - killed; be immaterial successor was Pericles.

An important source represents the font, the Constitution of Athens, written by Aristotle or one of his students.