What is Solon most known for?

630 – c. 560 BC) was an Athenian statesman, lawmaker and poet. He is remembered particularly for his efforts to legislate against political, economic and moral decline in archaic Athens. His reforms failed in the short term, yet he is often credited with having laid the foundations for Athenian democracy.

Who was Solon and why is he significant?

Solon was one of the Seven Wise Men of Greece and dominated Athenian politics for several decades, becoming the city’s chief magistrate in the early years of the 6th century BC (594-3 BC).

What did Solon write?

Solon’s third great contribution to the future good of Athens was his new code of laws. The first written code at Athens, that of Draco (c. 621 bce), was still in force. Draco’s laws were shockingly severe (hence the term draconian)—so severe that they were said to have been written not in ink but in blood.

Who is the most famous Greek poet?

From what we know Homer was the most famous of all Greek poets because of his written works, his legendary history, and his influential work. “Hateful to me as are the gates of hell, is he who, hiding one thing in his heart, utters another.” This inspiring quote came from one of Homers epic poems, The Iliad.

Is Solon a tyrant?

Solon (c. 650-561): Athenian statesman, poet, and lawgiver, one of the Seven sages. One would have expected the rise of tyrant, but instead the Athenians appointed a wise man named Solon as lawgiver (594/593). …

How did Solon change the Greek government?

Solon’s laws, constitutional and judicial reforms instituted by the Athenian statesman and poet Solon probably 20 years after he served as archon (annual chief ruler) in 594 bce. Solon’s legal code replaced Draco’s harsh laws except for those concerning homicide.

How did Solon change Greek government?

What laws did Solon create?

Solon further strengthened the Athenian economy by encouraging the growth of Attica’s trade and industry. He forbade the export of produce other than olive oil, minted new Athenian coinage on a more universal standard, reformed the standard of weights and measures, and granted immigrant craftsmen citizenship.

What was the most popular Greek epic?

Some of the most important and well-known works of Greek mythology are the epic poems of Homer: the Iliad and the Odyssey. In these, many of the characteristics of the Olympian gods and notable heroes are outlined.

What were Greek poets called?

The lyric poets Sappho, Alcaeus, and Pindar were highly influential during the early development of the Greek poetic tradition.

What did Solon do for democracy?

Solon laid the basis for democracy through eliminating debt slavery. He also probably established the Council of 400. Also, he gave every citizen the right to appeal the verdicts of magistrates before the assembly. He is sometimes credited with introducing sortition as well, but that is doubtful.

Who ruled after Solon?

Soon after, Solon died. Pisistratus and his sons ruled Athens on and off for the next 50 years. Rival factions overthrew him two times, but he managed to regain power.