Polycrates of Samos
Polycrates of Samos was a prominent figure in ancient Greek history, known for his role as a tyrant around 540 BCE. He, along with his brothers, took control of the island of Samos and later became its sole ruler. His leadership is noted for the establishment of a powerful Samian thalassocracy, which aimed to maintain Samos's independence while expanding its influence through an aggressive foreign policy that included annexing nearby islands and forming alliances with Egypt and Cyrene. Under Polycrates, the Samian navy became a formidable force, and significant harbor fortifications were constructed.
His reign was also marked by cultural contributions, attracting notable craftsmen and poets, including Anacreon. However, Polycrates’ tenure ended tragically in 522 BCE when he was deceived and ultimately crucified by Oroetes, the satrap of Sardis, who perceived him as a threat. Polycrates is sometimes credited with introducing triremes to the Greek navy, which transformed naval warfare in the region. His legacy reflects both the complexities of tyranny and the cultural advancements of his time.
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Polycrates of Samos
Related civilization: Archaic Greece
Major role/position: Tyrant
Life
Polycrates (puh-LIHK-ruh-teez), supported by Lygdamis the tyrant of Naxos, seized Samos with his two brothers in about 540 b.c.e. but not long after became sole ruler. His was the most famous of all the Aegean tyrannies. Polycrates of Samos aimed to maintain an independent Samos and to establish a Samian thalassocracy. He pursued an aggressive foreign policy, annexing neighboring islands and making treaties with Egypt and Cyrene. He also made the Samian navy a formidable force and was responsible for large-scale harbor fortifications. In 522 b.c.e., Oroetes, satrap of Sardis, who seems to have seen Polycrates’ power as a threat, tricked him into leaving Samos with promises of money and other support. When Polycrates arrived in Magnesia, he was crucified.
Polycrates’ reign was also one of culture. At his court were craftsmen such as Theodorus and the poet Anacreon of Teos, whom Polycrates wished to teach his son music. There is some chronological doubt as to whether he was responsible for the two great public works on Samos: the temple of Hera and the construction of the water tunnel through Mount Ampelus, which brought water into the city and took ten years to build.
Influence
Polycrates may have been the first Greek ruler to adopt triremes as the battleship for his navy, therefore changing the face of Greek naval warfare.
Bibliography
Barron, J. P. “The Sixth Century Tyranny at Samos.” Classical Quarterly 14 (1964): 210-230.
Shipley, G. A History of Samos, 800-188 b.c. Oxford, England: Oxford University Press, 1987.