Solon reforms

• Who was Solon in Ancient Greece?

  Solon was an Athenian statesman, lawmaker, and poet.
• What time period did Solon live in?

  Solon lived from approximately 630 BC to 560 BC.
• What position was Solon appointed to in 594 BC?


  Solon was appointed as archon (chief magistrate) of Athens.
• Why was Solon appointed as archon during a time of crisis?

  Solon was seen as impartial, being neither among the richest nor the poorest citizens.
• What were the key social issues in Athens when Solon was appointed?

  Athens faced extreme wealth inequality, debt slavery, and political unrest.
• What is the term used for Solon's reforms aimed at addressing social issues?

  The reforms are known as the Seisachtheia (shaking off of burdens).
• What were the key reforms implemented by Solon?


  -Debt cancellation: Freed those enslaved due to debt.

  
  

  -Land reform: Redistributed land to reduce inequality.

  
  

  -Political reforms: Introduced four social classes based on wealth, gave more rights to lower classes, created the Boule (Council of 400).

  
  

  -Legal reforms: Established a legal code for all citizens and the right to appeal verdicts.

  
  

  -Economic reforms: Standardized weights and measures, promoted olive cultivation
• What was the immediate effect of Solon's debt cancellation reform?

  It freed those who had been enslaved due to debt and alleviated the burden on poor citizens.
• How did Solon's political reforms change the structure of Athenian society?

  He introduced a system of four social classes based on wealth rather than birth, allowing more citizens to participate in politics.
• What was the role of the Boule created by Solon?

  The Boule was a council of 400 citizens that prepared business for the Ecclesia (Assembly).
• What legal reforms did Solon implement?

  He established a legal code that applied equally to all citizens and gave them the right to appeal verdicts.
• How did Solon's economic reforms impact trade in Athens?

  He encouraged trade by standardizing weights and measures and promoted the cultivation of olives.
• What were the key impacts of Solon's reforms on Athenian democracy?

  Broadened political participation through social class reforms. Established the Boule, introducing representative government. Strengthened the Ecclesia by giving it more power. Introduced legal equality and the right to appeal. Created checks on power among different institutions. Promoted citizenship and civic duty.
• How did Solon's reforms influence later political thought?


  His ideas about justice, moderation, and good governance influenced later Greek philosophers, including Plato and Aristotle.
• What is Solon often credited as in relation to Athenian democracy?


  Solon is often credited as the Father of Athenian Democracy.
• What was the significance of Solon's poetic works?



  His poetry, which often dealt with political and moral themes, remained influential in Greek literature and education.
• pentakosiomedimnoi

  ‘500 medimnoi men’, ‘millionaire’ class able to hold the top political jobs
• hippeis


  (300 medimnoi) - could afford to maintain a war horse
• zeugitai

  (200 medimnoi) - could afford hoplite armour, could hold minor political positions
• thetes


  working-class citizens, could attend the assembly and be jurors