Solon: Difference between revisions

Solon wrote the laws as a compromise between [[oligarchy]] and [[democracy]], tailored to what the ordinary people and the elites would both accept. After having his constitution accepted, Solon exacted the promise of the city that his constitution would not change unless he were to change it himself, and then he left Athens for over ten years, travelling to [[Egypt]], [[Cyprus]] and [[Lydia]]. This way he assured his work would have a fair chance to show its worth. During his trip to [[Egypt]] he visited the temple of [[Neith]] in the district of [[Sais]]. The priests of Neith gave him information on their old history records, which Solon wrote down in a [[manuscript]]. It was this manuscript that [[Plato]] used in his dialogues [[Timaios]] and [[Critias]].

He is also presented by the historian [[Herodotus]] of [[Halicarnassus]] in his historical accounts as a comment on the human condition. When in Lydia, he offended [[Croesus]] when asked, "Who is the happiest man you have ever seen?" by answering, "I can speak of no one as happy until they are dead," instead of with athe customary compliment, as Croesus was accustomed to. <ref>[[Herodotus]], ''The Histories,'' 1.30</ref> It was recalling this story which, again according to Herodotus, saved Croesus from execution when his kingdom was overcome by Cyrus' invading [[Persian Empire|Persians]].

Solon returned to Athens in the [[560s BC]], and was associated with [[Peisistratus]] (see below), whom Aristotle describes as an extreme democrat and the leader of the Highland Party.<ref>[[Aristotle]], ''The Athenian Constitution,'' 2.14</ref> However, Solon opposed Peisistratus' moves to take control of Athens, and again left the city when Peisistratus became [[Tyrant]]. Peisistratus retained much of the constitution, presiding over what Aristotle describes as a constiutionalconstitutional government.<ref>[[Aristotle]], ''The Athenian Constitution,'' 2.16</ref> He showed Solon considerable respect, either out of respect for the older man's wisdom, or out of regard for their former love.<ref>[[Claudius Aelianus|Aelian]], ''Varia Historia,'' 8.16</ref> Solon returned during Peisistratus' second period of rule and died soon afterwardsafter.

HeSolon introduced the [[Jury trial|trial by jury]]; military obligations were codified based on class; the [[Council of the Four Hundred]] (or [[Boule]]) and the [[Areopagus]] were established as the main consultative and administrative bodies; he introduced many new laws, especially those covering [[debt]] and [[taxation]]; he remodelled the [[calendar]]; he created a court for the lowest classes called the [[Heliaia]] and allowed it to audit those passing from the office of ''archon'' for each year; and he regulated [[weights and measures]].