Reforms Of Solon
The world's first extended experiment in democracy took place in the ancient Greek polis (city-state) of Athens. In 594 B.C.E., Solon, a great statesman and lawgiver, was entrusted with special powers to revise the political, social, and economic structure of Athens. His work began the evolution from rule by an elite aristocratic clique toward a more egalitarian constitution; in short, Solon set Athens firmly on a course toward democracy. He successfully arbitrated a settlement between Athenian aristocrats and commoners and allowed for participation of many more citizens in the political process. In the first of the passages that follow, Plutarch outlines the reforms that Solon undertook and the kinds of opposition that confronted him/Athens was in danger of violent revolution and tyranny appeared the only course by which to end civil dissension and stabilize the government. Solon first became prominent around 600 BC, when the Athenians were discouraged by ill
Solon immediately released all outstanding debts, and freed as many Athenians as he could from the slavery they had got themselves into. After Solon had made these reforms . Among all the problems connected with the Seisachtheia, it is evident that (1) that Solon abolished the old Attic law of debt which permitted loans on the security of the debtors person; (2)that he restored to freedom those who had been enslaved for debt;(3) that he refused the demand for the division of the landAlthough poverty was not eradicated, Attica was never again in the state in which it was before Solon's reforms. Solon's new social and political constitution abolished the domination of the eupatridae and substituted for it government by the wealthy citizens. In addition, he encouraged the development of olive oil and wine production, so that by the end of the century, most of Athenian land was dedicated to the beneficial crops. The eupatridae, who owned the best land, turned to produce olive oil and wine for export. Athens was in crisis by the sixth century. Solon's economic reforms consisted of the Seisachtheia and certain commercial laws. All social classes were permitted to attend the general assembly known as the Ecclesia. Solon was elected chief archon in 594 at a time of social, economic, and political stress in Athens. The Eupatridae and the people of Athens recognised and agreed the need for reform, They handed all political power to an aristocrat, Solon.
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Attica Solon's,
Salamis Athens,
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BC Athenians,
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