To understand why the Athenians executed Socrates in 399, one must first take a deeper look into his life. Socrates was born in 469 in Athens, son of the sculptor Sophroniscus and the midwife Phainarete. He belonged to the small Athenian bourgeoisie. He began to work in his father’s workshop. After 421, he married Xanthippe and had three sons. Socrates lived in the period of the war of Peloponnese. He was a brave fighter at Poleidaia, Delion, …showed first 75 words of 756 total…

…showed last 75 words of 756 total…so great; his friends risked their lives just to be with him daily. Socrates believed that, although he was wrongfully accused, he would be given a fair trial through the eyes of the law. The fact that he was given a fair trial means that he was given a fair punishment. If this punishment is not carried out, justice will not be served. Escaping punishment would cause a conflict between his teachings and his actions.