Soon a merchant class developed to supply goods to an ever-expanding population. Debt slavery increased also and these people challenge free laborers for jobs. The general population became more disenfrancised and distrustful of wealthy leaders. Between 650-500 BC a new leader, theTyrant, began to challenge for political power in the polis. Class economic and political warfare broke out between the rising aristocracy and the general population.
Aristocrats also begin to fight among themselves.
Poor begin to turn to someone who could galvanize the poor and challenge the aristocracy. The Tyrant, or one who seizes governmental power through extra-constitutional means and breaks with tradition, is created. Tryants often came from the middle class. They usually promised peace and prosperity. In Corinth it led to Oligarchy.