The term 'Wise Old Athenian' refers to the ancient Greek statesman and lawmaker SOLON (Σόλων). He was born in Athens in 638 BC and is credited with laying the foundations of Athenian democracy. He is remembered for his reforms, which included the abolition of debt slavery, the establishment of a new legal code, and the introduction of a new currency. He also wrote poetry and is considered one of the Seven Sages of Greece.