The Seisachtheia was instituted by Solon in the early 6th century Athens in order to ease tensions between the aristocrats, the Eupatridae, and the lower class, the Thetes. The Eupatridae were creditors to the lower classes, and the Thetes and other debtors were often enslaved due to debt, called debt bondage. The Seisachtheia introduced many rights to the lower classes, such as the ability to participate in civil disputes. Solon's set of laws released all debt, and ended debt bondage in Athens.

"I gave to the mass of the people such rank as befitted their need,
I took not away their honour, and I granted naught to their greed."
- Aristotle, quoting from one of Solon's poems

Yifan You
The Seisachtheia
Senior Division
Student Composed Word Count: 717
Process Paper: 384