The Tyranny Of Archaic Greece

This paper, by analyzing the origin and development of tyranny, explores the political nature of Greek tyranny of Archaic Age and its impact on polis. The first chapter reviews the origin of tyranny. Overseas commerce and colonial movement stimulate the early development of commodity economy, which prompt the emergence of new social groups and combat mode, resulting in the conflicts of social class. Tyrants take the chances and make themselves the kings. The second chapter takes Kypselos of Corinth and Pisistratus of Athens as examples, investigates how the first tyrants take the power and dominate the polis. The reason why they emerge in a short time and rise directly to the highest position is mostly because the polis must resolve the chaos within and resist foreign invasion by powerful rulers. The third chapter analyzes the positive effects of the early Greek tyranny. In order to consolidate the domination, tyrants adopt a series of profitable measures, including establishing alliance with other states and satisfying the interests of different social class. These steps in s short period defend the safety of the polis and mitigate the complicated class contradiction, making the polis as a economic prosperous and vibrant cultural place. Handicraft industry, art and religion also have been developed. The forth chapter reflects on the nature of the early Greek tyranny. Although tyrants to some extent preserve the peace and development opportunity of the polis, the desire of defeating others and do whatever they want go beyond the boundaries, cutting off the relations among the individuality, history and tradition. A brand new individualism comes into being, traditional properties are no longer worshipped. Greek value system suffers devastating damage during this period.