Damocles

Damocles was the legend, a favorite of the tyrant Dionysius I or Dionysius II of Syracuse in the first half of the 4th century BC The anecdote of the sword of Damocles has been handed down from Cicero tusculanae Disputationes 5.61 to 62.

Whether Damocles has actually lived, is not assured. He is described as a courtier, who was dissatisfied with his life. He envied the tyrant to whose power and wealth, and raised in his flattery always shown their advantages. Dionysius therefore decided, on the basis of the proverbial Damocles Damoklesschwerts impermanence, to clarify the position, especially. The ruler invited Damocles to a feast and offered him to be allowed to sit at the royal table. Before he left, however, hang a great sword over Damocles ' place, which was only held by a horsehair.

As a Damocles sword over his head remarked, it was impossible for him to enjoy the luxury offered and finally he asked to be allowed to enjoy the amenities ( and the threat related ) without. Damocles had received his lesson that wealth and power do not provide protection against hazards, but cause this.

This doctrine has been held in numerous pictures and lyrical works, for example by Horace as a suggestion in the carmina 3.1. The sword of Damocles is still used as a metaphor to the potential in a seemingly comfortable situation. However, Cicero refers in his parable also suggests that Dionysius was forced because of this pervasive threat to secure his power through oppression.

Reception

Swell

  • Greek ( Ancient )
  • Literary Figure
  • Sicilian
  • Born on the 5th or 4th century BC
  • Died in the 4th century BC
  • Man
Dionysius I of Syracuse
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