Draco, also called Drako or Drakon, was the first recorded legislator of Athens in Ancient Greece. He replaced the prevailing system of oral law and blood feud by a written code to be enforced only by a court of law.

What does it mean if someone is called draconian today?

Draconian describes something as very strict or harsh. It comes from the Athenian lawmaker Draco, whose laws were extreme. For example, theft carried the death penalty. While it was previously capitalized, because Draco is a name, most do not capitalize it today.

What is an example of draconian?

The definition of draconian is laws or punishments that are extremely severe or cruel. ... When someone is put to death for stealing $1, this is an example of a draconian punishment.