Many believe that the concepts of equality and justice are closely intertwined. Through the ways in which Lycurgus and Solon reform their city to resolve social inequalities, the notion of equality and justice is discerned, i.e. that equality is universal while justice depends on the parameters of society. Lycurgus conducted his reforms so that all advance equally as a public duty. Unlike Lycurgus, Solon guided his reforms so that every person had a fair chance for advancement and participation in government based on merit and wealth. Both Lycurgus and Solon modified their city through political, social, and economic reforms to alleviate social injustice. Politically, Lycurgus established elders in Sparta and Solon based political power on wealth in Athens as an attempt to alleviate social injustices. Lycurgus intended to make Sparta a more just and equitable city while seeking a balance between the people and the king to resist democracy and prevent the development of tyranny. Unfortunately the council of elders did not create a fair and just city as Lycurgus intended. The elders turned out to be richer and far more powerful than any other person in the city, including the king. When an elder was about to die, “whoever encountered the most and loudest cries” was chosen to become the next elder (Plutarch 31). This is not a fair reform because the votes were not based on an objective measure, such as asking each citizen to poll their preference in terms of the elderly. Instead, it was based on a subjective measure: screaming. In contrast, Solon changed the requirements for political power from inheritance to wealth. This reform was fair and relatively fair. Solon gave every citizen a fair opportunity to defend...... middle of paper ......prevents all but his elite elders from advancing. In an effort to promote justice and equality, Lycurgus and Solon promoted political, social and economic reforms in their cities. Lycurgus established elders, redistributed lands, made currency worthless, and established communal canteens. Lycurgus created a strictly equal city. However, it limited Sparta's advance as a whole. On the other hand, Solon works to solve this problem in Athens by creating equity for people with different upbringings. Solon awarded political privileges based on wealth rather than lineage, abolished slavery, and canceled the debt of the poor. To alleviate social injustice, Lycurgus promoted strict equality while Solon understands that socioeconomic inequalities are inevitable and still attempts to level the playing field so that every person has the power to advance..