<P> The political stability of Sparta also meant that no significant changes in the constitution were made . The oligarchic elements of Sparta became even stronger, especially after the influx of gold and silver from the victories in the Persian Wars . In addition, Athens, after the Persian Wars, was becoming the hegemonic power in the Greek world and disagreements between Sparta and Athens over supremacy emerged . These led to a series of armed conflicts known as the Peloponnesian War, with Sparta prevailing in the end . However, the war exhausted both poleis and Sparta was in turn humbled by Thebes at the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BCE . It was all brought to an end a few years later, when Philip II of Macedon crushed what remained of the power of the factional city states to his South . </P> <P> Although Athens was not one of the earliest Greek democracies, it is often regarded as the birthplace of democracy and remains a really important reference point of democracy . </P> <P> Athens emerged in the 7th century BCE, like many other poleis, with a dominating powerful aristocracy . However, this domination led to exploitation, creating significant economic, political, and social problems . These problems were exacerbated early in the 6th century; and, as "the many were enslaved to few, the people rose against the notables". At the same time, a number of popular revolutions disrupted traditional aristocracies . This included Sparta in the second half of the 7th century BCE . Sparta's constitutional reforms by Lycurgus introduced a hoplite state that showed, in turn, how inherited governments can be changed and lead to military victory . After a period of unrest between the rich and poor, Athenians of all classes turned to Solon to act as a mediator between rival factions, and reached a generally satisfactory solution to their problems . </P> <P> Solon, an Athenian (Greek) of noble descent but moderate means, was a Lyric poet and later a lawmaker; Plutarch placed him as one of the Seven Sages of the ancient world . Solon attempted to satisfy all sides by alleviating the suffering of the poor majority without removing all the privileges of the rich minority . Solon divided the Athenians into four property classes, with different rights and duties for each . As the Rhetra did in the Lycurgian Sparta, Solon formalized the composition and functions of the governmental bodies . Now, all citizens were entitled to attend the Ecclesia (Assembly) and vote . Ecclesia became, in principle, the sovereign body, entitled to pass laws and decrees, elect officials, and hear appeals from the most important decisions of the courts . All but those in the poorest group might serve, a year at a time, on a new Boule of 400, which was to prepare business for Ecclesia . The higher governmental posts, archons (magistrates), were reserved for citizens of the top two income groups . The retired archons became members of the Areopagus (Council of the Hill of Ares), and like the Gerousia in Sparta, it was able to check improper actions of the newly powerful Ecclesia . Solon created a mixed timocratic and democratic system of institutions . </P>

Who attempted to write the first world history