Ruler of Mytilene (r. c. 590-c. 580 b. c.e.)
Born: c. 645 b. c.e.; Mytilene, Lesbos, Greece Died: c. 570 b. c.e.; Mytilene, Lesbos, Greece Also known as: Pittacos; Pittakos Category: Government and politics
Life After playing a leading role in the factional struggles over the rule of Mytilene (MIH-teh-leen) in the late seventh century b. c.e., Pittacus (PIHT-eh-kuhs) was revered as a lawgiver and sage. Although the details of these struggles are somewhat sketchy, Pittacus seems to have helped overthrow the tyrant Melanchros (r. c. 612-609 b. c.e.) and then to have formed an alliance with Myrsilus, his successor (thus alienating his former ally, the poet Alcaeus of Lesbos). During this period, Pittacus helped fight against Athens for control of Sigeum (a territory on the Troad, later Yeni§ehir), which was subsequently awarded to Athens by arbitration. When Myrsilus died (c. 590 b. c.e.), Pittacus was popularly elected aisym-netes, or absolute ruler, to put an end to the continuing civil strife and to reform the laws of Mytilene. Pittacus voluntarily laid down his rule after ten years and lived another ten years in retirement.
Influence According to philosopher Aristotle, Pittacus did not radically reform the constitution, but he did create new laws. One of his laws doubled the penalty for offenses committed while drunk. Considered one of the Seven Sages of ancient Greece, Pittacus is best remembered for his sayings, such as “The painted wood [the law] is the best form of rule” and “It is hard to be truly good.”
Further Reading
Andrewes, A. The Greek Tyrants. London: Hutchinson, 1974.
Page, D. Sappho and Alcaeus. London: Oxford University Press, 1955.
Susan O. Shapiro
See also: Alcaeus of Lesbos; Aristotle; Government and Law.
World History
