Solon was an ancient Athenian statesman, lawmaker, and poet who lived around 600 BCE. He is known for his significant reforms that laid the foundation for Athenian democracy. Solon's reforms included the establishment of a new constitution, the cancellation of debts, and the reorganization of the social classes. He is also credited with introducing the concept of equality before the law and promoting the idea of meritocracy. Solon's contributions to Athenian society had a lasting impact and helped shape the development of democracy in ancient Greece.