The Athenian Constitution

“When Solon became master of the polis, he liberated the people both for the present and for the future by prohibiting the pledging of one’s own person as security for loans; he enacted laws and cancelled both private and public debts, a measure known as the shaking off of burdens (seisachtheia), because the people shook the burden from themselves.In this connection, some sought to slander him. For it came to light that Solon had spoken in advance of his intention to several noblemen, and then, as the supporters of the popular party maintain, his friends deceived him. According to those who wish to disparage him, however, he himself also had a share in it. These friends, namely, took out loans, bought up a large amount of land, and when the cancellation of debts followed shortly thereafter, they became wealthy. This, it is said, is what actually occurred, and later they were regarded as men who had long been rich.”Author: Aristotle