Cypselus of Corinth

Tyrant of Corinth (r. 657-627 b. c.e.)

Born: Early seventh century b. c.e.; Corinth Died: 627 b. c.e.; place unknown Also known as: Kypselos of Korinthos Category: Government and politics

Life Archaic Corinth was ruled by the Bacchiadae, a tight-knit aristocratic clan, of which the mother of Cypselus (SIHP-suh-luhs) was a member. Cypselus of Corinth seems to have held both military and civil office under their rule. Sensing growing hostility toward the Bacchiadae, he led an insurrection and established himself as tyrant. Although this was done primarily with the assistance of wealthy Corinthians dissatisfied with Bacchiad rule, Cypselus seems also to have enjoyed popular support. During the thirty years of his rule, he reorganized Corinthian political institutions, founded colonies in northwestern Greece, and built the Corinthian treasury at Delphi. Growing trade and external contacts brought prosperity and artistic innovation. Cypselus was succeeded by his son Periander of Corinth and then his grand-nephew Psammetichus, who was soon deposed and killed (c. 585), ending the Cypselid Dynasty.

Influence Cypselus founded one of the earliest and longest-lasting tyrant dynasties. He would serve as a model for other Greek tyrants and as an archetype of the cruel, ruthless dictator for those who opposed tyranny— despite the fact that he almost certainly enjoyed a good reputation in his native Corinth.

Further Reading

Anderson, Greg. “Before Turannoi Were Tyrants: Rethinking a Chapter of Early Greek History.” Classical Antiquity 24, no. 2 (October, 2005): 173-222.

Herodotus. The Histories. Translated by Robin Waterfield. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998.

McGlew, J. Tyranny and Political Culture in Ancient Greece. Ithaca, NY.: Cornell University Press, 1993.

Salmon, J. B. Wealthy Corinth. New York: Oxford University Press, 1984.

Shawn A. Ross

See also: Periander of Corinth.