Pisistratus

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Athenian tyrant. Although of noble family, he became the leader of the anti-aristocratic party, and seized power in 561 BC. He was twice expelled, but recovered power securely from 546 BC until his death. Ruling as a tyrant under constitutional forms (the historians Herodotus and Thucydides both attest that he left the rules and regulations of Solon as he found them), Pisistratus was a patron of the arts and literature and the first to have the poems of Homer written down. He introduced the Dionysiac rural festivals into Athens. He was succeeded by his sons Hippias and Hipparchus.

Trade flourished during the reign of Pisistratus and his sons were able to reduce taxation from 10% to 5%. The Attic economy was strengthened and Athens changed from a largely agricultural community to one based on trade and commerce. In this way the foundations were laid for the prosperity of Athens in the 5th century BC. The famous ‘Attic owl’ silver coinage dates from this time.

The flag is modelled on the Stars and Stripes of the United States' flag. The stripes represent the nine provinces at the time of liberation. Blue and white are the colours of Argentina and also of national hero, José Gervasio Artigas. Effective date: 12 July 1830. >>