An Athenian statesman, and the founder of the Athenian Democracy. Kleisthenes was a member of the influencial Athenian noble family the Alcmaeonides, and was one of the most active leaders of the opposition to Peisistratus, and especially to his sons Hipparchus and Hippias, by whom he was sent into exile. In 515 BCE he lead a group of exiled nobles in an attempt to overthrow Hippias, but failed. He then addressed both the Oracle at Delphi and Sparta in a request of assistance. And finally in 510 King Kleomenes of Sparta sent troups to Athens in order to overthrow the tyrant. After Hippias was overthrown Kleisthenes formed the democratic constitution of Athens.