Hermias of Atarneus

Hermias (Greek Ἑρμίας, † probably 341 BC) was tyrant of Atarneus and Assos in Asia Minor since about 350 BC, Hermias was a Bithynian eunuch and slave, whom his master ( and friend), the changer Eubulus cities Atarneus and Assos bequeathed. Atarneus was an ancient city in the kleinasiastischen landscape Aeolis. The place is located opposite the island of Lesbos northeast of the present-day Dikili. His greatest importance was Atarneus in the 4th century BC, when he served as the residence Hermias, who ruled from here and the area between Atarneus Assos.

The philosophically interested rulers had studied in his youth at the " Academy " of the Greek philosopher Plato in Athens and thereby also a friend of his pupil Aristotle. Between Hermias and the " Academy " since that time consisted lasting relationships. The " Sixth Letter " of Plato, who is considered spurious by some scholars, however, is directly addressed to Hermias. The at that time nearly eighty years of Plato recommends Hermias in his letter two known to him and befriended people, Erastus and Coriscus, from skepticism ( a place near Atarneus ) as loyal employees. From 347-345 BC Aristotle was living as a guest at a friend Hermias in Atarneus and married after the death of his niece (or daughter) Pythias. At the same time here he founded his first philosophical school.

To 341 BC Hermias Philip II of Macedon was sneaking a base in Asia Minor. The Persian Great King Artaxerxes III. then sent his general Mentor of Rhodes to Atarneus, who managed to take Hermias caught by a ruse. He left Hermias converted into the Persian capital of Susa, where he tortured ( likely to learn about the plans of the Macedonians ruler to ) and was eventually executed. Hermias 's last words are said to have said that he had not done anything that was unworthy of philosophy.

After the death of Hermias, Aristotle devoted his father and friend, a statue in Delphi and composed a hymn to Arete ( personified excellence, virtue) commemorating Hermias.