Solon was an Athenian politician and one of Greece's Seven Wise Men. Solon abolished the aristocratic control of the government, replaced it with a system of affluent control, and instituted a new and more humane legal code. He was also a well-known poet. Born into an extremely wealthy family in 724 B.C., he became one of the leading politicians of his time. His laws, which included some of the first written regulations concerning inheritance, are said to have created a new class of citizens by including many previously excluded groups such as slaves. Solomon also reformed the political system of Athens by introducing oligarchy, i.e., the rule of the few rather than of the rich or noble. As part of its effort to educate its citizens, Athens sponsored thousands of young men from all classes to study at its public schools and universities. These students were called "hetairoi" (singular: "hetroneus") because they came from rich families or had been granted citizenship for service to the state. In addition to education in philosophy, politics, and law, these boys were trained in military skills and conducted military campaigns with the help of their cities-at times even acting as mercenaries for others. When they returned home, they joined local governments or rose through them to higher offices. Some even became leaders of rebellions or revolutions.