[XI] Solonian Laws and Constitution

[IT is important, before considering the complicated details of Solon's reforms, to point out the sources from which information is derived. In the first place, it is clear that there existed in the fifth and fourth centuries no real tradition as to the actual provisions. Had such existed there would either have been no serious difference of opinion, or else the disputants would undoubtedly have appealed to that tradition. Now, firstly, there is no such appeal, and, secondly, there are most important differences of view among fourth-century authorities - e.g., concerning (1) the Seisachtheia, between the author of the Athenaiôn Politeia and Androtion (see below); (2) the coinage reform; (3) the respective qualifications of the second and third classes. Further, the Ath. Pol. endeavours to elucidate problems by inferences from Solon's poems, or by mere probability, rather than by appeal to tradition.