From early in the first Millennium Athens was ruled by kings, who were at the head of a land owning aristocracy called the [[Eupatridae]] (the well born) whose instrument of government was a Council which met on the Hill of Ares called the [[Areopagus]]. This body appointed the chief city officials – the archons and the polemarch (Commander in Chief). Four tribes based on family affiliations dominated the area and had their own specific burial, marriage and adoption rights. | From early in the first Millennium Athens was ruled by kings, who were at the head of a land owning aristocracy called the [[Eupatridae]] (the well born) whose instrument of government was a Council which met on the Hill of Ares called the [[Areopagus]]. This body appointed the chief city officials – the archons and the polemarch (Commander in Chief). Four tribes based on family affiliations dominated the area and had their own specific burial, marriage and adoption rights. |