The rise of oligarchies, which replaced the old monarchies, eventually gave way to another form of government: tyrannies.
These oligarchies faced internal divisions among the nobles and growing opposition from ordinary citizens who desired political participation. This simmering tension led to the widespread overthrow of oligarchies and the rise of tyrants.
Typically, these tyrants were nobles who gained power by appealing to the people and promising a better future. In ancient Greece, the term "tyrant" simply meant someone who ruled without legal claim, not necessarily a cruel leader. While some tyrants were benevolent rulers, others embodied the negative connotations associated with the word today.
Sparta stands as a rare exception, avoiding the rise of a tyrant.
The "Age of Tyrants" lasted roughly from 650 to 500 BC. Similar to many usurpers, these tyrants sought to legitimize their rule by promoting grand public works, religious festivals, and even supporting artists and poets. As a result, this era significantly impacted the development of Greek art and culture.
The Precarious Reign of Tyrants
However, the tyrants' grip on power was tenuous. The Greeks possessed a deep-seated aversion to absolute rule, and the nobles they cast aside never ceased plotting to reclaim their lost power. As a result, these tyrannies were generally short-lived, seldom lasting beyond three generations. Their downfall often led to a return of the old oligarchies, or, in some cases, the establishment of democracies. Interestingly, a trend emerged: Dorian cities gravitated towards oligarchies, while Ionian cities leaned more towards democracies.
Sparta: Champion of Oligarchies, Athens: Champion of Democracy
Sparta, unlike other Greek city-states, never succumbed to a tyrant's rule. In fact, they actively intervened in other cities, aiding them in overthrowing tyrants and restoring their aristocratic (noble-led) governments. Athens, on the other hand, as we'll see later, emerged as a champion of democracy (rule by the people).
Among the most famous tyrants were:
The Ring of Polycrates: A Cautionary Tale
Herodotus, the famous Greek historian, recounts the story of Polycrates, the tyrant of Samos. Polycrates enjoyed such incredible and uninterrupted good fortune that his friend and ally, the Egyptian king Amasis, grew concerned. Amasis believed such prosperity would incur the envy of the gods. He advised Polycrates to break this luck by sacrificing his most prized possession.
Taking Amasis's advice seriously, Polycrates cast his most precious ring, a valuable jewel, into the sea. However, fate seemed to mock his attempt. A short time later, a fisherman caught a large fish and presented it to Polycrates as a gift. Incredibly, when the cooks cut open the fish, they found Polycrates' very own ring nestled inside!
News of this astonishing event reached Amasis, who was deeply disturbed. He interpreted this as a clear sign that Polycrates was destined for a terrible reversal of fortune. Amasis ended his alliance with Polycrates, fearing the inevitable bad luck that would befall the tyrant. And indeed, Amasis's fears proved true, as Polycrates later met a violent and tragic end.
This story serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that even the most fortunate individuals are not immune to the whims of fate. Great success can be fleeting, and excessive good fortune might invite misfortune.
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