In the ancient city of Athens around the 7th century B.C., the elite and influential individuals held sway over the legal system, mainly because there were no concrete laws in place.
This lack of legal structure meant that if you were of humble means, receiving fair treatment in court was a rare occurrence, as decisions were often arbitrary.
One man sought to revolutionize this system with an audacious proposal — Draco, also known as the Lawgiver.
Making his mark as the earliest recorded lawmaker in Athens circa 620 B.C., Draco advocated for a formal written code that would be strictly upheld by the judiciary.
This initiative aimed to prevent individuals, particularly the wealthy, from manipulating regulations at their whim.
The stringent nature of Draco’s laws led to the enduring use of the term “draconian” to describe extremely harsh measures.
Despite his pivotal role in shaping Athenian legal history, little is known about the personal life of Draco.
However, the circumstances surrounding his death paint a vivid picture.
Around 600 B.C., as Draco addressed his followers in a theater, a customary practice of demonstrating appreciation involved showering the speaker with hats, coats, and cloaks.
To Draco’s surprise, the outpouring of affection from the crowd exceeded all expectations.
The sheer volume of garments thrown on him resulted in a tragic outcome — he was overwhelmed and suffocated amidst the display of admiration.
The demise of Draco, the renowned enforcer of strict laws, stands out as a poignant irony in history.
Despite his reputation as a tough and unwavering figure, his passing epitomizes a stark contrast to the principles he upheld during his lifetime.
The manner of his death, suffocated by the overwhelming adoration of his supporters, remains a unique and somewhat paradoxical event even among the annals of embarrassing celebrity fatalities.
