In 399B. C. an indictment was laid against Socrates, Famous Greek philosopherand educational reformer, “for not worshiping the gods whom the city worshipsand for introducing new divinities of his own; next, for corrupting theyouth.” Plato, in his book Apologygives the substance of his defense, a vindication of his whole life, but notgiven in a way to conciliate the jury of over 500 Athenian citizens. Thevote of condemnation was carried by a small majority, though the sentence ofdeath by poisoning was passed by 80 more votes, provoked probably by hisapparent indifference to their judgment...
Thedeath of Socrates was brought about under the restored democracy by three ofhis enemies — Lycon, Meletus, and Anytus, the last a man of high rank andreputation in the state. Socrates was accused by them of despising the ancientgods of the state, introducing new divinities and corrupting the youth ofAthens. He was charged with having taught his followers, young men of the firstAthenian families, to despise the established government, to be turbulent andseditious, and his accusors pointed to Alcibiades and Critias, notorious fortheir lawlessness, as examples of the fruits of his teaching.
