Solon’s elegy as an example of ancient political propaganda

The earliest texts written in ancient Greek language do not confirm mourning character of ancient elegy. Among the oldest surviving works of archaic period poets there are texts that focus on military, amatory, parenetic, didactic or philosophical themes. Solon’s works on social and political subjects may be also included in that miscellany of issues. Solon’s literary works result from his active participation within political and social community of Athens in the VII-VI centuries B. C. Some of his reforms to legislate against political, economic, and moral decline in archaic polis failed in the short term as they were not approved by the Athenians engaged in the conflict. Therefore his poetry became a way to defend his constitutional, economic and moral reforms and beliefs against political opponents. Thus, Solon’s elegy may be regarded an instrument of social and political discussion written not for pleasure but rather as patriotic propaganda.