Periander of Corinth

Tyrant of Corinth (r. c. 627-c. 587 b. c.e.)

Born: c. 667 b. c.e.; place unknown Died: c. 587 b. c.e.; place unknown Category: Government and politics

Life Periander (pehr-ee-AN-dur) of Corinth inherited the tyranny from his father, Cypselus, who had seized control of the government from the Bacchiad oligarchy. A strong ruler, Periander promoted Corinth’s economic development and political influence. Corinth’s position on the isthmus, between the Corinthian and Saronic gulfs, made it naturally well

Periander of Corinth.

Suited for trade. Periander enhanced Corinth’s natural advantages by constructing an artificial harbor and a passageway across the isthmus (the diolkos) that allowed ships to be dragged over land from one gulf to the other. He also levied taxes on the use of Corinthian harbors, markets, and the diolkos.

Periander built a fleet of triremes (warships), which he used to suppress piracy and to extend his political influence. By the end of his life, he controlled several colonies, including Corcyra (Corfu), Potidaea, Epidamnus (Durres), and Epidaurus. At his death, the tyranny passed to his nephew, Psammetichus, who, after only three years in power, was killed by a popular uprising that ended the tyranny.

Influence The brief span of Psammetichus’s reign suggests that popular discontent had begun under Periander. Indeed, Periander had a reputation for ruthlessness and cruelty. He was supposed to have killed his wife, Melissa, in a fit of rage and caused the death of their son, Lycophron.

Further Reading

Andrewes, A. The Greek Tyrants. London: Hutchinson, 1974.

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

Susan O. Shapiro

See also: Cypselus of Corinth.