Reforms Of Solon essays

Reforms Of Solon essays The world's first extended experiment in democracy took place in the ancient Greek polis (city-state) of Athens. In 594 B.C.E., Solon, a great statesman and lawgiver, was entrusted with special powers to revise the political, social, and economic structure of Athens. His work began the evolution from rule by an elite aristocratic clique toward a more egalitarian constitution; in short, Solon set Athens firmly on a course toward democracy. He successfully arbitrated a settlement between Athenian aristocrats and commoners and allowed for participation of many more citizens in the political process. In the first of the passages that follow, Plutarch outlines the reforms that Solon undertook and the kinds of opposition that confronted him/ Athens was in danger of violent revolution and tyranny appeared the only course by which to end civil dissension and stabilize the government. Solon first became prominent around 600 BC, when the Athenians were discouraged by ill success in war with their neighbour Megara for possession of the island of Salamis. Athens was in crisis by the sixth century. The peasants were easily driven into debt by bad harvests, resulting to seek loans from the aristocrats. There being no laws to prevent it, many sold their own children or were forced into exile by their creditors. The eupatridae, who owned the best land, turned to produce olive oil and wine for export. The military leadership was unsuccessful causing detrimental raids by Megara. The Eupatridae and the people of Athens recognised and agreed the need for reform, They handed all political power to an aristocrat, Solon. Solon had a reputation for integrity, wisdom and fair treatment of peasants. Solons mission was to reform the government to stem the tide of privation and exploitation and set up a system to assure that Athens did not get in such a bad state again. Solon immediately released all outstanding debts, and freed as many Athenians a ...