With the establishment of rich plutocracy in the 7th century BC, the monopoly of the money was established in place of the monarchy, so that most of land went into the hands of the rich from the hands of the farmers.
Many farmers first kept the land as heritage (mortgage, livelihood) and kept the members of the family involved in farming, eventually they all became slaves. In Athens, there were some free citizens other than the elite and slaves, they were called Demos. They were farmers, labourers, artisans and businessmen. These people were dissatisfied with the hypocritical rule. The teachings of Solon resulted in their struggle.
Reforms of Solon: Solon was appointed as a new magistrate in 594 BC. Solon abolished the mortgage system and freed all citizens of Athens from slavery and also made the rule that in future, no resident of Athens will be allowed to be enslaved for a non-repayable loan. His reforms benefited both the poor and the middle class. Election of Chief Justices of the Courts also came under the hands of the citizens. In 469 to 429 BC in Athens led by Pericles, the democracy reached the stage of progress. There was a rule similar to that of the modem cabinet. In the democracy of Athens citizens had political rights and freedom. In pericles’ time, only a small part of the total population came under the civil category.
