A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

1. HIPPONICUS I., the first of the family on record, is mentioned by Plutarch (Plut. Sol. 15, comp. Pol. Pracec. 13) as one of the three to whom Solon, shortly before the introduction of his σεισάχθεια, B. C. 594, imparted his intention of diminishing the amount of debt while he abstained from interference with landed property. Of this information they are said to have made a fraudulent use, and to have enriched themselves by the purchase of large estates with borrowed money. Böckh thinks, however (Publ. Econ. of Athens, b. iv. ch. 3), that this story against Hipponicus may have originated in the envy of his countrymen.