Periander: The Tyrant King of Corinth

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Full Name and Common Aliases

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Periander (Περίανδρος) is the commonly used name of the tyrant king of Corinth. He was also known as Psammetichus II, due to his extensive trade connections with Egypt.

Birth and Death Dates

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Little information exists about Periander's birth date. However, it is believed he lived during the 6th century BCE (c. 627 – c. 585 BCE). His exact death date remains unknown.

Nationality and Profession(s)

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Periander was a Greek tyrant king of the city-state of Corinth, which at that time controlled a significant portion of ancient Greece's trade and commerce.

Early Life and Background

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Periander was born into an aristocratic family in Corinth. His early life is not well-documented; however, it is known he rose to power after the death of his father, Cypselus, who had seized control of the city in 627 BCE. Periander's ascent to power likely involved a combination of cunning and military might.

Major Accomplishments

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Periander's reign as tyrant king was marked by significant accomplishments:

Infrastructure Development: He invested heavily in Corinth's infrastructure, including the construction of temples, roads, and public buildings.
Trade Expansion: Periander expanded Corinth's trade network, establishing connections with Egypt and other parts of the ancient world. This helped to stimulate economic growth within the city-state.
Internal Reforms: He implemented various internal reforms aimed at strengthening the government and promoting social stability.

Notable Works or Actions

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Periander was known for his:

Civic Engineering Projects: He oversaw numerous civic engineering projects, including the construction of a new port, which significantly enhanced Corinth's maritime trade capabilities.
Social Reforms: Periander implemented policies aimed at promoting social stability and reducing crime within the city.

Impact and Legacy

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Periander's impact on ancient Greece was profound. His:

Economic Growth: The significant economic growth experienced during his reign had a lasting impact on Corinth, establishing it as one of the most prosperous cities in the region.
* Cultural Exchange: Periander's trade agreements with Egypt and other parts of the world facilitated cultural exchange between ancient civilizations.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered

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Periander is often quoted for his strategic thinking and vision. His ability to adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing environment has made him a subject of interest among historians and philosophers.

While Periander's rule was marked by authoritarian tendencies, he remains an important figure in ancient Greek history due to his lasting impact on the city-state of Corinth and its people.