Beacon Lights of History Volume 03 Author:John Lord Although the poorest and most numerous class were not eligible for office, they had the right of suffrage, and could vote for the principal officers. It would at first seem that the legislation of Solon gave especial privileges to the rich, but it is generally understood that he was the founder of the democracy of Athens. He gave the Athenians, ... more »not the best possible code, but the best they were capable of receiving...« less