Athenian Democracy · World History

Which reform of Solon in 594 BCE is known as the 'Seisachtheia'?

  1. The establishment of a professional standing navy
  2. The cancellation of debts and freeing of debt-slaves
  3. The construction of the Long Walls to the port of Piraeus
  4. The introduction of a written and publicly posted law code
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Correct answer: The cancellation of debts and freeing of debt-slaves

Solon's Seisachtheia — meaning 'shaking off of burdens' — cancelled existing debt obligations and freed Athenians who had been enslaved for failing to repay debts. It addressed the acute agrarian crisis and prevented mass debt-slavery from destroying Athenian society.

Difficulty: Medium Question 8 of 20

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