Thales to Solon “If you leave Athens, it seems to me that you could most conveniently set up your abode at Miletus, which is an Athenian colony ; for there you incur no risk. If you are vexed at the thought that we are governed by a tyrant, hating as you do all absolute rulers, you would at least enjoy the society of your friends. Bias wrote inviting you to Priene ; and if you prefer the town of Priene for a residence, I myself will come and live with you.” CuapTer 2. SOLON (archon 594 B.C.) Solon, the son of Execestides, was born at Salamis; His first achievement was the cewdyOeu 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 cewdyGeva, 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 punish- Ing 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