Periander of Corinth
Periander of Corinth was a prominent tyrant who ruled around 627 to 587 BCE, following his father Cypselus. He is noted for his strong leadership, which significantly boosted Corinth's economic and political power, particularly due to the city's strategic location between the Corinthian and Saronic gulfs. Periander enhanced these advantages by constructing an artificial harbor and a land passage known as the diolkos, facilitating trade by allowing ships to cross the isthmus. He also imposed taxes on the use of the port and markets, contributing to Corinth's wealth. In addition to economic advancements, Periander built a fleet of triremes to combat piracy and project his influence over several colonies, including Corcyra and Epidamnus. Despite these achievements, his legacy is marred by accounts of ruthlessness, including personal tragedies such as the alleged murder of his wife and the death of his son. After his death, his nephew Psammetichus briefly took power but was soon overthrown in a popular uprising, indicating growing dissatisfaction with the tyranny that characterized Periander's rule.
Periander of Corinth
Related civilization: Archaic Greece
Major role/position: Tyrant of Corinth
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 (r. c. 627-c. 587 b.c.e.) promoted Corinth’s economic development and political influence. Corinth’s position on the isthmus, between the Corinthian and Saronic gulfs, made it naturally well 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 (Durrës), 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.
Bibliography
Andrewes, A. The Greek Tyrants. London: Hutchinson, 1974.
Salmon, J. B. Wealthy Corinth. New York: Oxford University Press, 1984.