 |
PerianderThe Second Tyrant of Corinth |
Content:
- Pericles: A Son of Corinth
- A Contradictory Reputation
- Tyrannical Rule
- Colonial Expansion
- Military and Economic Innovations
- Modernization and Prosperity
- Patron of the Arts
- Death and Legacy
Pericles: A Son of Corinth
Pericles was the son of the tyrant Cypselus and Crateia. In 629 BCE, he inherited his father's rule in Corinth.
A Contradictory Reputation
Pericles' reputation in ancient tradition was complex. As one of the Seven Wise Men, he was renowned for his saying, "Consider everything." Yet, Herodotus depicted him as a cruel tyrant. Initially benevolent, Pericles transformed after consulting with the Milesian tyrant Thrasybulus. Thrasybulus advised him to eliminate potential rivals by destroying the city's most prominent figures.
Tyrannical Rule
Accused of murdering his wife in a fit of rage, Pericles stripped the Corinthian women of their clothing while they were gathered at a temple. His son, Lycophron, severed ties with him after learning of his mother's death. Pericles conquered Epidauros, where his father-in-law conspired against him, and exiled his son.
Colonial Expansion
Pericles established colonies, including Potidaea, Kerkyra, and Ambracia. He sent his son Nicolaus to rule Kerkyra, but after his assassination, Pericles retaliated with war. He sent 300 noble sons from the island to Lydia for castration. His nephew, Psammetichus, became his successor in Kerkyra and ultimately in Corinth.
Military and Economic Innovations
Aristophanes noted that Pericles was "a true tyrant but a warlike man." He employed bodyguards and restricted gatherings in public spaces to prevent conspiracies. He also banned luxury goods and promiscuity, primarily targeting the aristocracy.
Modernization and Prosperity
Pericles introduced coinage, reorganized territorial tribes, and introduced customs duties. He reconquered Kerkyra and conquered Aegina and Epidauros. He founded Potidaea, Apollonia, and Ambracia. His renovation of the Diolkos, a ship-hauling railway, revolutionized transportation and generated substantial revenue for Corinth.
Patron of the Arts
Like many early tyrants, Pericles supported the arts. He patronized the renowned poet and singer Arion, who introduced the cult of Dionysus into Corinth.
Death and Legacy
Pericles ruled Corinth for almost 40 years, dying alone and in sorrow. His nephew's reign lasted mere days before Corinthians revolted and abolished their tyranny. Pericles reportedly instructed two young men to kill the first person they encountered on a road, and then four to kill them, and finally an even larger group to eliminate the four. He then confronted the first two and met his end.
