At the same time no hereditary barrier excluded them from the hopes so dear to human aspirations.

They had only to acquire the necessary fortune in order to enjoy the privileges of their superiors.
And, accordingly, we find, by an inscription on the Acropolis, recorded in Pollux, that Anthemion, of the lowest class, was suddenly raised to the rank of knight.

[206] XII.

We perceive, from these divisions of rank, that the main principle of Solon's constitution was founded, not upon birth, but wealth.

He instituted what was called a timocracy, viz., an aristocracy of property; based upon democratic institutions of popular jurisdiction, election, and appeal.