025 The Reforms of Solon
The History of Ancient Greece
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Introduction
In the early 6th century BC, economic, political, and social conditions at Athens were exasperated by a severe agrarian crisis. Because of the poor soil of Attica, the Athenians could not raise enough grain to feed their increasing population. They bartered crops suited to their land, olives, vines, figs and barley, abroad for wheat. High-quality olive oil packaged in vases made from the excellent clay of Attica was their most significant export. This led them into conflict with mightoleen over Sijion near the mouth of the Hellespont.
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