The Athenian politician and poet Solon, (640-560 b.o.c.),
came from a very distinguished but impoverished noble family. As a merchant he had to make a living and made many trips.
Elected Archon by the citizens of Athens (one of the nine highest civil servants each year), he introduced as a first measure the cancellation of all debts on fields and persons (Seisachtheia Greek "debt shaking off"). Debt slavery was lifted and Athenians already sold abroad were triggered at the expense of the state.
The next step was the reform of the current coin and mass measurement system.
In political terms, he replaced the privilege of birth with that of possession. He divided all citizens into four asset groups according to their possessions. He staggered rights and duties in such a way that the wealthy had more political rights but also had to take on more achievements (timocracy).
The first three groups, i.e. Pentakosiomedimnen, Knights and Witnesses were able to hold high state offices, the last social class, the Theten, only remained access to the People's Assembly and the People's Court.
Solon's great merit was that daß´er curtailed most of the prerogatives of the genetic order (rule of family associations) and thus cleared the way for the further development of slave-owner democracy.
Solon was counted among the Seven Wise Men in ancient times.
Exhibit of the Athens National Archaeological Museum, reduction.
