Vitae philosophorum

Solon, the son of Execestides, was born at Salamis. His first achievement was the σεισάχθεια or Law of Release, which he introduced at Athens; its effect was to ransom persons and property. For men used to borrow money on personal security, and many were forced from poverty to become serfs or daylabourers. He then first renounced his claim to a debt of seven talents due to his father, and encouraged others to follow his example. This law of his was called σεισάχθεια, and the reason is obvious.

He next went on to frame the rest of his laws, which would take time to enumerate, and inscribed them on the revolving pillars.

His greatest service was this: Megara and Athens laid rival claims to his birthplace Salamis, and after many defeats the Athenians passed a decree punishing with death any man who should propose a renewal of the Salaminian war. Solon, feigning madness, rushed into the Agora with a garland on his head; there he had his poem on Salamis read to

These were the lines which did more than anything else to inflame the Athenians[*](Fr. 2 Bergk.):

Would I were citizen of some mean isle
1. Far in the Sporades! For men shall smile
2. And mock me for Athenian: Who is this?
3. An Attic slave who gave up Salamis;

Then let us fight for Salamis and fair fame,
1. Win the beloved isle, and purge our shame!