What happened in Athens while Cleisthenes was in exile?

While Cleisthenes was in exile, Athens faced political turmoil and instability, primarily due to the power struggles among rival factions and the influence of tyrants. His opponents, particularly the oligarchs, sought to consolidate power, and this led to unrest and conflict within the city. Cleisthenes' absence allowed for the temporary resurgence of aristocratic rule, but his eventual return and subsequent reforms would ultimately lay the foundation for Athenian democracy.