594 BC

The year 594 BC was a year of the pre-Julian Roman calendar. In the Roman Empire, it was known as year 160 Ab urbe condita . The denomination 594 BC for this year has been used since the early medieval period, when the Anno Domini calendar era became the prevalent method in Europe for naming years.

• Facing an economic crisis and popular discontent, the leaders of Athens appoint the poet-statesman Solon to implement democratic reforms and revive the city's constitution.
• Solon establishes the Ecclesia, the principal assembly of democracy in Athens during its Golden Age.
• Sappho returns from exile in Sicily.