Histories

Herodotus

Herodotus. Godley, Alfred Denis, translator. Cambridge, MA; London: Harvard University Press; William Heinemann, Ltd., 1920-1925 (printing).

and after these were subdued and subject to Croesus in addition to the Lydians, all the sages from Greece [22,39] (nation), EuropeHellas who were living at that time, coming in different ways, came to Sardis [28.0167,38.475] (Perseus) Sardis, which was at the height of its property; and among them came Solon the Athenian, who, after making laws for the Athenians at their request, went abroad for ten years, sailing forth to see the world, he said. This he did so as not to be compelled to repeal any of the laws he had made,

since the Athenians themselves could not do that, for they were bound by solemn oaths to abide for ten years by whatever laws Solon should make.

So for that reason, and to see the world, Solon went to visit Amasis in Egypt [30,27] (nation), Africa Egypt and then to Croesus in Sardis [28.0167,38.475] (Perseus) Sardis. When he got there, Croesus entertained him in the palace, and on the third or fourth day Croesus told his attendants to show Solon around his treasures, and they pointed out all those things that were great and blest.