Solon

Solon is an Athenian politician, legislator and poet, one of the "seven wise men" of ancient Greece.

Solon came from a noble family of Codrids, who had previously been a royal dynasty. Apparently, even before the start of political activity, he was known to fellow citizens as a poet. He was the first Athenian poet, and besides, the political orientation of some of the poems was supposed to attract the attention of listeners. Solon's political activity began with his expedition to Salamis during the war with Megara. After a successful expedition, he initiated the First Holy War. By 594 B.C. e. became the most influential and authoritative Athenian politician.

Solon was elected eponymous archon for 594/593 BC. e. In addition, he was given emergency powers. Solon carried out a number of reforms (sisachphia, property qualification, the establishment of a jury and the Council of Four Hundred, etc.), which represent the most important milestone in the history of archaic Athens, the formation of the Athenian state. After his archonship, the reformer went on a journey, during which he visited various regions of the Eastern Mediterranean. After his journey, Solon no longer took an active part in political life. He died about 559 BC. e. in Athens.