These issues of governmental power and land control were causing great dissatisfaction among the Athenian people at the beginning of the sixth century. The universal authority of the Eupatridai was opposed by a rising middle class (similar to the Equites of Rome) who had acquired wealth through their own hard work, but had no access to power. At the same time, tenants working the fields began to agitate for a re-distribution of land, so they could own property and take control of their lives.
Enter Solon, the lawgiver, elected Archon in 594 B.C, who decided to remedy all injustices against the common people. Solon implemented a sweeping set of new laws designed to address the concerns of the disadvantaged, but not go so far as to upset the aristocratic class. He was truly walking a tightrope.