The term 'Wise Athenian' refers to two of the most famous figures in ancient Greek history: SOLON and Plato. SOLON was an Athenian statesman, lawmaker, and poet who is credited with laying the foundations for Athenian democracy. Plato was a philosopher, mathematician, and writer who founded the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. Both men were renowned for their wisdom and their contributions to the development of Athenian culture.