Solon the Law-Giver of Athens

Solon, an aristocrat and an important figure in the history of democracy, was elected archon eponymous for a year to prevent tyrants from taking control of Athens. A wise man, Solon is supposed to have said "call no man happy until he is dead."

Solon - Who Was Solon
Solon, one of the 7 sages, was an important leader, a law-giver, and poet of ancient Athens.

Solon's Reforms
Solon first came to prominence in about 600 for his patriotic exhortations when the Athenians were fighting a war with Megara for possession of Salamis. Solon was elected eponymous archon (the magistrate whose name the year is known by) in 594/3 B.C. and then, perhaps, again about 20 years later.

Solon and the Rise of Democracy
First coming to prominence, in about 600 B.C., for his patriotic exhortations when the Athenians were fighting a war with Megara for possession of Salamis, Solon was elected Eponymous Archon in 594/3 B.C. and then, perhaps, again about 20 years later. Because of his reform compromises and other legislation, posterity refers to him as Solon the lawgiver.

Solon's Salaminian Descent
Guest feature by Michael Bakaoukas. Diogenes Laertius and Diodorus Siculus present evidence that Solon, the lawgiver of Athens, was actually from Salamis.

Discuss in my forum

Explore Ancient / Classical History

Must Reads