THE RISE OF TYRANNY

Theognis of Megara - floruit 544

manuscript tradition for his poetry - other poets incorporated

poetry addressed to Kyrnos, complaints about decline of the aristocracy

THE CAUSES OF TYRANNY

MILITARY – PHEIDON OF ARGOS

The Hoplite Revolution – (Chigi Vase – hoplites in formation)

New Tactics - Phalanx: line of warriors about 8 men deep

New Technology - Argive Shield, Corinthian Helmet

Argive defeat of the Spartans at Battle of Hysiai in 669

Pheidon helps Pisa preside over Olympics in 668

The Poetry of Tyrtaeus (fl. 660-630?) and Hoplite Ideals

ETHNIC – CLEISTHENES OF SICYON

The Return of the Heraclids and the Dorian Invasion

Tribes

– traditional Dorian tribes: Dymanes, Hylleis, and Pamphyloi

– non-Dorian tribe: Aigialeis

– Cleisthenes' tribes: Pigs, Donkeys, Swine, Archelaoi (Rulers of the People)

Heroes: Adrastus vs. Melanippus

1^st Sacred War – Sicyon, Thessaly, Athens against Crisa

ECONOMIC – CYPSELUS OF CORINTH

Aristocratic clan of the Bacchiads

Corinth and trade dominance – colonies and trade routes

Periander

TALES OF TYRANTS

Tales of Rise and Fall: olbos - koros - hubris - nemesis

Gyges

Croesus

Polykrates

Discussion Questions:

What do Herodotus' tales of Croesus, Cyrus, and Polykrates show about the way the Greeks thought about the figure of a tyrant, both positively and negatively? How does the story of Deioces provide a contrast?

What modern figures might fit the Greek definition of a tyrant? How do military, ethnic, or economic factors create the opportunity for these figures to gain power?