Solon's class system

Solon's class system

1. Definitively categorized status

   • Organized Attica's military force
     • Made Athens a more potent military power
       • Battle of Marathon 490BCE
   • Made people know their place
     • Before one was either a land owner or a land worker
     • Simplified participation in politics (e.g. Boule only allowed top 3 classes)
   • Reduced tension between poor & rich
     • Lessened threat of uprising

2. Based entirely on wealth

   • Upper class was no longer just the noble families
     • Took status away from eupatrid families & eupatridae could even be placed in a lower class
       • Outraged the ruling class
   • Encouraged rich traders to come to Attica
   • Encouraged citizens to produce more food
     • Economic growth

3. Gave archon oppertunity to all members of the top class

   • No longer entirely controlled by eupatridae
     • Still an oligarchy (or timocracy) as full power is still in the hands of the few
     • Areopagos no longer exclusive
   • Reduced corruption between nobles
     • Those in power more likely to be skilled politicians rather than favourite family members
       • More effective government

4. Four classes with distinct military roles

   • Pentakosiomedimnoi - 500+ medimnoi
     • Generals (Strategoi)
     • Highest class
   • Hippeis - 300-500 medimnoi
     • Medium-high class
     • Horse owners, Cavalry
   • Zeugitai - 200-300 medimnoi
     • Hoplites & general infantry
     • Medium class
   • Thetes - 200 medimnoi or less
     • Oarsmen, personal servants or auxilary forces (e.g. slingers)
     • Low class