This is the famous painting of Socrates' death
Freedom of speech existed in Athens over two thousand years ago. In 400-300 BC the Athenians held this freedom sacred. Athens actually encouraged its people to speak out and philosophers flocked to the city to speak. It was the only place they could freely speak their ideas even though the ideas may have been contrary to the democratic form of government the citizens enjoyed.
Socrates was a very vocal proponent of dictatorial government. He preached in democratic Athens that only one man could aptly rule a city. That person would embody the knowledge and virtue people needed to live peaceful lives. In 399 BC Socrates was tried and sentenced to death for speaking his ideas freely. Athens' democracy had been overthrown three times prior to Socrates trial: in 411, 404, and again in 401. Democracy had been restored each time, but the people felt that Socrates had supported the events, even supported the groups, by his radical ideas. Most Athenians openly supported the notion that Socrates blatantly encouraged the youth of Athens to overthrow democracy and install a dictator. Treason was a crime that was not permissible in Athens and Socrates was accused of treason. Free speech was permitted, but not treason.
Though Socrates should have been able to save himself, he did not. This trial was brought by three citizens, as all Athenian trials were, and the accusers freely presented their evidence. Socrates could have done the same, instead he mocked his accusers freely. In a great city of free speech, a man who openly expressed his ideas his whole life chose not to exercise this right to save his life. The citizens of Athens also failed to stand behind Socrates and proclaim his right to free speech, instead they let the trial and execution take place. In the end, the city of free speech killed a man for exercising his right.
Here's a link to another page about Socrates
This is where we found the picture.
ILLUSTRATION: "The Death of Socrates",
By David. In the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
See
a larger image of it.
