What did Solon focus on?

Solon ended exclusive aristocratic control of the government, substituted a system of control by the wealthy, and introduced a new and more humane law code. He was also a noted poet.

What were Solon’s political reforms?

He forbade the export of produce other than olive oil, minted new Athenian coinage on a more universal standard, reformed the standard of weights and measures, and granted immigrant craftsmen citizenship. Reforms also affected the political structure of Athens.

Who was Solon and what did he do?

630 – c. 560 BC) was an Athenian statesman, lawmaker and poet. He is remembered particularly for his efforts to legislate against political, economic and moral decline in archaic Athens. His reforms failed in the short term, yet he is often credited with having laid the foundations for Athenian democracy.

How did Solon change the way Athens was governed?

He believed there was a “right order” for governing the city. First, he reorganized Athenians into four new classes based on their wealth. Noble birth alone had been the basis of the old aristocracy. Under Solon’s plan, only members of the two wealthiest classes could become archons or magistrates.

Did Solon create democracy?

Solon laid the basis for democracy through eliminating debt slavery. He also probably established the Council of 400. Also, he gave every citizen the right to appeal the verdicts of magistrates before the assembly.

Where can I find information about Solon?

Ancient authors such as Herodotus and Plutarch are the main source of information, yet they wrote about Solon long after his death, at a time when history was by no means an academic discipline. 4th-century orators, such as Aeschines, tended to attribute to Solon all the laws of their own, much later times.

Who can bring a case to court under Solon?

Under Solon, rules were relaxed as to who could bring a case to court. Earlier, the only ones who could do so were the injured party or his family, but now, except in cases of homicide, anyone could. Solon may also have established the boule, or Council of 400, to determine what should be discussed in the ekklesia.

What happened to Solon after he completed his reforms?

After completing his work of reform, Solon surrendered his extraordinary authority and left the country. According to Herodotus the country was bound by Solon to maintain his reforms for 10 years, whereas according to Plutarch and the author of the Athenian Constitution (reputedly Aristotle) the contracted period was instead 100 years.

What was Solon’s constitution like?

Solon’s constitution was based on four classes determined by census and wealth. Although privilege by birth was eliminated, Solon retained a hierarchical distribution of political responsibility. Solon’s legal code replaced Draco’s harsh laws except for those concerning homicide.