The Thirtis Regime - A History of Athens

Violence and brutality was probably a necessity in order to transition athens from a democracy to an oligarchy. But it produced an unanticipated paradox: the more violent the thirtis regime became, the more opposition that they faced. Critius evidently aimed to end democracy, regardless of the human cost. Some men were executed just because they were rich, while others fled, happy to escape with their lives. According to aristotle, the 30 kept their hands off none of the citizens, but put to death those of outstanding wealth or birth or reputation.