8. Sparta
Sterling Professor of Classics and History
Professor Donald Kagan analyzes the emergence, characteristics, and historical significance of Greek tyrannies, examining their dual impact on economic development and political freedom within the polis. The lecture incorporates accounts from Herodotus concerning Orthagoras and Gyges.
Introduction to Ancient Greek History (CLCV 205)
In this lecture, Professor Donald Kagan explores the rise, fall, and significance of tyrannies in the Greek polis. He argues that the various tyrannies in the Greek world had both negative and positive aspects, which need to be appreciated. For instance, on the one hand, tyrannies promoted economic, commercial and artistic advances. On the other hand, tyrannies ruled absolutely and curbed the freedom of the polis. Finally, Professor Kagan intimates that tyrannies in many ways were a necessary step in the development of the classical polis. In short, through tyrannies, the power and influence of the aristocracy was broken and the hoplite farmer grew greater in significance.
7. The Greek "Renaissance" - Colonization and Tyranny (cont.)
Next · Lecture 9Lecture 9: Sparta (cont.) (CLCV 205)
Seminar notes & discussion
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