Explores one of the seven Athenian wise men whose reforms included an end to debt slavery, and an end to sole aristocratic political control.

Provides a profile of the ancient Greek legislator and chief magistrate of Athens who was responsible for many democratic reforms.

Offers background on Solon's family and early political career. Also offers excerpted poetical works.

Describes the diminishing class of free farmers that necessitated Solon's reforms to guard against the centralization of land to the oligarchy.

Profiles the Athenian poet and his egalitarian reforms. Also offers excerpts of his poetry, and accounts by Herodotus and Plutarch.