China Naming Network - Almanac query - What is the main content of Solon's reform?
What is the main content of Solon's reform?
Solon was a famous political reformer and poet in ancient Athens. Solon was born into a noble family in 560 BC. Although his father was a noble, he was charitable, so that when Solon was young, his family was not well off. After a business trip, Solon visited many places in Greece and Asia Minor, roaming around places of interest, inspecting social system and local customs, and making friends with Thales, a famous philosopher and scientist in ancient Greece. Solon, together with Thales and others, won the reputation of "seven sages" in ancient Greece. After returning to Athens, Solon tried to convince peisistratus and fought resolutely against it, because he wanted to kill the emerging democracy, had a soft spot for tyrants and wanted to monopolize it. It is said that Solon once recited Salamis in public to inspire people to recapture the occupied island of Salamis, regardless of the ban. Salamis Island is near the west coast of Athens. As the gateway of Athens, its geographical position is very important. Solon believed that Salamis Island should have belonged to Athens. Athens sent troops to attack several times, but all failed, which weakened the spirit and belief of the Athenians to recover their territory. Athens was suddenly tired of war, and Solon recited his poem to the crowd in the square: "Get up, go to Salamis, seize that beautiful island and wash away our shame." After Solon was appointed commander-in-chief, around 600 BC, he led the army to occupy Salamis Island. So Solon stepped onto the political stage in Athens and began to implement his plan to reform the disadvantages. In 594 BC, Solon was elected consul. Solon's reform promoted the development of history, dealt a heavy blow to the rule of Athenian gentry and nobles economically and politically, abolished the debt slavery among Athenian citizens, promoted the development of the city-state's economy, formed a collective of Athenian citizens against foreigners and slaves, and laid the foundation for the rapid development of Athenian economy and the establishment of democratic regime. After the political reform, it is naturally difficult to meet the requirements of all walks of life and all aspects of society. Solon heard dissatisfied voices from all directions in Athens. Solon was forced to give up his political power and study abroad. Solon roamed in Egypt, Cyprus and Asia for 10 years. Solon retired at home in his later years, engaged in research and writing. It is said that Solon had a huge writing plan, but he died around 560 BC before he could finish it. The ashes of the founder of ancient democracy and the poet who left a famous chapter are scattered on the island of Salamis, which once fought for it.