The Greek Tyrannies: c. 650 - 510 BC
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Cypselus of Corinth
Corinth was one of the wealthiest cities of Greece where trade was not as despised as in some other city-states. Its position on the isthmus made it pivotal in controlling the trade routes east and west, particularly as the voyage around the Peloponnese (Cape Malea) was so hazardous. Corinth also established itself as a manufacturing centre in its own right, and its merchant fleet controlled a large proportion of the freight trade in the West. The aristocratic family of the Bacchiads established a monopoly over political power in Corinth; permitting no marriage of its members outside the family and taking it in turns to elect the king from among themselves. Corcyra rebelled against Corinthian rule and winning a naval engagement against them in c. 664 BC, gained its independence. The defeat of Corinth by its colony Corcyra may have created a focal point for growing discontent in Corinth with this situation. Corinth may also have been under pressure from the rising power of Argos under Pheidon. Cypselus was the son of a lame daughter of the Bacchiads who had a husband drawn from outside the family on account of her unattractiveness. He was educated abroad and on returning to Corinth became popular with the people and elected polemarch, that is "war leader". He became the leader of "people" and ousted the Bacchiads c.657 BC. Apparently, he was so popular that he did not require a bodyguard, which does imply that he had the support of the middle classes. Very little is known about the details of his reign, except that during it the city enjoyed peace and prosperity. His son, Periandros, reigned for forty-four years. He was reputed to be one of the "Seven Wise Men" of his time, but was ruthless as well as resourceful. His plan for a canal across the isthmus was not realised, but he did establish a causeway over which ships could be hauled on transports. Nonetheless, he became unpopular and his sons died before him. He was succeeded by his nephew, Psammetichos, who was overthrown. The government reverted to a form of oligarchy. Under Cypselus and his successor Periander Corinth flourished, and founded colonies at Leucas, Anactorium, Ambracia and Apollonia. They also founded Epidamnus in collaboration with Corcyra, implying that Corinth had achieved a rapprochement with its former colony by this time. Corinth formed an alliance with Miletus and so gained access to eastern markets. Corinth cultivated the friendship of Athens, judging in favour of Athens against Mytilene in a dispute over the control of Sigeum. Periander's successor was named Psammetichus in honour of the Egyptian king, Psamtek.
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Contents of
The Greek Tyrannies: c. 650 - 510 BC
1 The Period of Greek Tyrannies
2 Pheidon of Argos.
3 Cypselus of Corinth
4 Orthagoras of Sicyon
5 Asia Minor and Greek tryannies
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