THE ATHENIAN LAWGIVER DRACO designed an early legal code that was hardly noted for its leniency. Nevertheless, he was quite popular with his fellow citizens.

In 590 B.C. there was a testimonial in his honor at the theater of Athena. As Draco entered the open-air arena, thousands of well-wishers showered him with their hats and cloaks. Draco was smothered to death under that pile of clothing.

Well-wishers buried him under a mountain of clothing.

[Mayhaps the lawgiven knew exactly what they were doing ... ]