When the political structure of Athens becomes visible
in any detail after the Dark Ages, aristocratic families are in control. But
historians think that there must have been kings in Athens at
one time. This is because the word "King", or Basileus,
is retained as the name of an important office held in Athens
aristocratic political structure. The Basileus is known to have
been responsible for some of the most sacred rituals of Athens.
One of the most important was that his wife was to be ritually married to
the god Dionysos. The change from kings to aristocracy seem to
have taken place some time before 700 BC. This change has thought to have been relatively peaceful.