At length, on the death of Alcmaeon -- the thirteenth and last perpetual archon--a new and more popular change was introduced into the government.

The sway of the archon was limited to ten years.

This change slowly prepared the way to changes still more important.

Hitherto the office had been confined to the two Neleid houses of Codrus and Alcmaeon;--in the archonship of Hippomenes it was thrown open to other distinguished families; and at length, on the death of Eryxias, the last of the race of Codrus, the failure of that ancient house in its direct line (indirectly it still continued, and the blood of Codrus flowed through the veins of Solon) probably gave excuse and occasion for abolishing the investment of the supreme power in one magistrate; nine were appointed, each with the title of archon (though the name was more emphatically given to the chief of the number), and each with separate functions.

This institution continued to the last days of Athenian freedom.