The Hello and welcome back to the history of ancient Greece.

Episode 25, the Reforms of Solon

In the early 6th century BC, economic, political and social conditions at Athens

were exasperated by a severe agrarian crisis that ravaged the

attic countryside. The rich respondent in a typical manner by tightening the

screws in the poor tenant farmers driving them further into poverty.

Making matters worse, the wealthy landlords routinely exported grain to other profitable markets, thus further straining the food capabilities of Attica.

At the same time, the Athenians cast it about for more good-erable farmland and soon fix their

gaze on the nearby island of Salamus.

After digging through the ancient texts and conveniently verifying their rightful historical

claim to the island, Athens conquered Salamus and populated with Athenians. It was not an Apoyquia, but instead of Cleruki, an extension of Attica. This was the first occasion of the physical expansion of the Athenian Polis.

This angered Maggara, although they had no official control of it, and those two Polis would continue

to be at war with one another.

Although the Athenians believed that this conflict

would be brief, it was Megara who emerged victorious. Because of the poor soil of

Attica, the Athenians could not raise enough grain to feed their increasing population.

Consequently, they bartered crops suited to their land.

Olives, vines, figs, and barley, a broad for wheat.

High quality olive oil, packaged in vases,

made from the excellent clay of Attica,

was their most significant export,

much of it going to the Black Sea region,

...