Circa 630-Circa 560 B.C.E.
Athenian Statesman, Poet

Respect. Although Solon was born into a noble family, he was a man of moderate means. He appears to have been a respected merchant whom the people trusted. Around 600 B.C.E. he distinguished himself by publicly reciting a poem that inspired the Athenians to capture Salamis from the Megarians. When competing groups in Athens were about to fall into civil war six years later, they turned to Solon to rule and reconcile them.

Archon. Solon became archon during a period of acute political and economic distress in Athens, and for that reason he was given broad powers to initiate reforms. He ended the practice of Athenians's falling into slavery as a result of their debts and reorganized the government, basing it on wealth rather than birth. He wrote laws that were inscribed for all to see and permitted...