Socrates

One of the most famous executions in ancient times took place in Athens, Greece in 399 BCE. The philosopher Socrates was found guilty of several crimes by a jury of 500 of his fellow citizens. He might have escaped the death penalty if he had been willing to leave his beloved city and go into exile. Instead, he suggested that the city provide his meals for the rest of his life. This suggestion enraged the jurors, including many who had voted not to convict him. His fate was sealed. Soon afterward, he drank poisonous hemlock. Socrates was dead. But his legacy would live on. Even today, he is one of the most famous thinkers of all time.