what was socrates accused of

Socrates was accused of two charges: impiety (asebeia) against Athens gods by introducing new gods and the corruption of Athenian youth. The accusers cited two impious acts by Socrates: "failing to acknowledge the gods that the city acknowledges" and "introducing new deities". Meletus, a poet, started the prosecution against Socrates, and most scholars think he was acting on behalf of the Athenian politicians who were threatened by Socrates open criticism. The trial of Socrates was held in 399 BC to determine the philosophers guilt of these charges. Socrates was found guilty of both charges, sentenced to death, and required to carry out his own execution by consuming a poisonous hemlock drink.