Socrates was formally accused of impiety ( disrespect toward the gods of Athens) and corrupting the youth of the city.

Official charges

Athens charged him with two main legal offenses:

  • Asebeia (impiety):
    • Failing to acknowledge the gods that the city acknowledged.
    • Introducing and teaching about new deities.
      In ancient Athenian law this kind of “un‑religious” behavior was seen as a serious public threat, not just a private belief.
  • Corruption of the youth:
    The accusers claimed that Socrates taught young people to question traditional beliefs, laws, and authorities, thereby undermining civic order and respect for elders.

What the accusations really meant

In more everyday terms, the charges were:

  • That he was an atheist or religious skeptic who mocked the gods and rituals Athens relied on.
  • That he “poisoned” the minds of young Athenians by encouraging them to doubt political leaders, democratic practices, and conventional values.

Trial and outcome

  • Socrates was put on trial in 399 BCE before a jury of Athenian citizens.
  • He was found guilty and sentenced to death by drinking hemlock , making his trial one of the most famous clashes between philosophy and political power in Western history.

If you want, the next step could be a quick rundown of why people in Athens felt so threatened by his questions and teaching style.