Tyrant

What is a Tyrant?

A tyrant is an absolute ruler who wields power without restraint or legal limits. They often come to power through unconventional means, sometimes by usurping the position of a legitimate leader. The term ‘tyranny’ has deep roots in history and philosophy, with its origins tracing back to Ancient Greek culture.

The Origin and Meaning of Tyranny

Originally, the term ‘tyrant’ referred to anyone who secured executive power through unconventional means. Over time, it evolved to denote an oppressive ruler who uses extreme methods against their own people and others. The word ‘tyrannus’ in Latin translates to ‘illegitimate ruler,’ highlighting its negative connotations.

Tyranny in Ancient Greece

In ancient Greek culture, tyrants were influential opportunists who came to power by securing the support of different factions. They often relied on mercenary soldiers from outside their city-state and lacked public support to survive for long. The concept of tyranny was not inherently negative; it referred to anyone who secured executive power through unconventional means.

One notable example is Cypselus, who overthrew the Bacchiadae clan in 657 BC. He prospered economically under his rule but struggled with succession after bequeathing it to his son Periander. Cypselus and Periander extended Corinth’s control over colonies, but tyranny proved unstable due to lackluster successors.

The Rise of Tyranny in Athens

Athens’ next tyrants were the Peisistratids, who succeeded through support from the peasantry and landowning interests. Their rule was marked by economic prosperity and cultural patronage. However, their reigns eventually faced challenges, leading to their expulsion in 510 BC.

Sicilian Tyranny

In Sicily, tyrants such as Gelo, Hiero I, Dionysius the Elder, and Agathocles maintained lavish courts and became patrons of culture. They were known for their stability and support of arts and sciences. A new generation of Greek tyrants emerged under Macedonian rule, further expanding the concept of tyranny.

The Decline of Tyranny in Greece

Athens’ democratic cities joined forces in the Achaean League against these rulers, expanding their influence into Corinthia and other regions by 280 BC. By 192 BC, the last Greek mainland tyrant was assassinated, and the Peloponnese was united as a confederation of stable democracies.

Roman Historians and Tyranny

Roman historians often spoke of ‘tyranny’ in opposition to ‘liberty,’ with Roman citizens being circumspect about identifying tyrants. Josephus identified tyrants in Biblical history, including Nimrod, Moses, and Herod the Great.

Greek Philosophers on Tyranny

Classical philosophers defined tyranny as rule by one person without legitimacy or absolutism. Plato stated that a tyrant often starts as a protector, while Aristotle suggested ruling justly as an alternative means of retaining power. Polybius said that monarchy would eventually become corrupted into a tyranny.

The Legacy of Tyranny in Western Thought

Tyranny is often associated with abuse of power and violent misuse of human beings. The first part of Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy describes tyrants as being punished in Hell, while Niccolò Machiavelli conflates all rule by a single person with ‘tyranny.’ Sometimes he calls leaders of republics ‘princes,’ but never uses the word in his famous work, The Prince.

The Modern Definition of Tyranny

Modern definitions of tyranny often include proven violation of international criminal law such as crimes against humanity. Various lists of tyrants include 100 throughout history, with 40 from the 20th century and 13 20th-century tyrants.

The Path to Tyranny

A dictator typically obtains power by abolishing debts, confiscating large estates, taxing the rich to finance public works, and redistributing wealth. They secure support from the business community by promoting trade with state coinage and commercial treaties. To retain power, a tyrant employs methods such as placating world opinion through rigged elections, using or threatening violence, seeking popular support through appeals to patriotism, and claiming improved conditions.

Philosophical Critiques of Tyranny

Ancient Greek philosophers were critical of the methods used by tyrants. Plato stated that a tyrant often starts as a protector, while Aristotle suggested ruling justly as an alternative means of retaining power. Early texts identified only usurpers as tyrants, distinguishing them from ‘bad kings.’ Tyrants may act as renters rather than owners of the state.

Conclusion

The path to tyranny can appear easy and pleasant, but it is fraught with challenges and ethical dilemmas. As we reflect on historical figures and their legacies, one thing remains clear: the abuse of power and the violation of human rights are not justifiable under any circumstances.