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life offer information regarding the political circumstances that facilitated the
Macedonian conquests of Greece and then Persia. This included the diminishing power and general disorder of the Greek city states and the Persian empire. While the turmoil in the aftermath of the Peloponnesian War prevented the Greek city-states from maintaining their influence as a Mediterranean power, internal conflicts and incompetency led to a steady reduction in Persian power and territory. By ending its dynastic conflicts and uniting under King Philip, Macedonia was able to assert itself as a stable and formidable kingdom capable of vast expansion of the lands under its control. Hermias’ accounts offer a useful source of information for this period. While history is commonly determined by the victor, Hermias’ strong friendship with Aristotle preserved his story as he was constantly mentioned in Aristotle's writing. If it were not for this strong bond, Hermias’ existence would have been forgotten, and his effects on the politics of the time neglected.
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to blacken his reputation, such as spreading the rumour that he was a eunuch. The negative criticism by
Theocritus and Theopompus could be due to his taking over the rule of Atarneus. As both historians were born in Chion, an island whose territory once included Atarneus, their resentment towards Hermias is understandable. Threatened by a Macedonian invasion from the north, most of the Greek city-states condemned Hermias because of his connections to King Philip. Even Aristotle was forced to leave Athens as he had connections with both rulers. While immediate historians rebuked Hermias for his affiliations with Macedonia, later studies of Aristotle's writing led to a more sympathetic view of the tyrant.
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Macedonians continued with plans to invade Asia Minor. This change of plan by Philip II left
Hermias to a cruel fate. In order to regain the lost Persian territory in Asia Minor and try and discover Macedonian invasion plans, Artaxerxes III commissioned a Greek mercenary named Mentor. (While some believed Hermias' captor to be Memnos of Rhodes, historian Diodoros claims that it was in fact his brother Mentor.) Mentor was charged with the task of capturing Hermias and therefore restoring his lands to the Persian Empire.
426:
As little is known of
Hermias' life apart from the accounts of Aristotle, there are few sources of past historical interpretations. Due to his Bythinian origins, early Greek historians such as Theopompus and Theocritus regarded him as a barbarian. Declaring him a barbaric tyrant, they made attempts
413:
Even after being betrayed by King Philip, Hermias displayed great loyalty to Philip in his refusal to divulge any information about Philip's plans to the
Persians. This steadfast devotion to his allies protected the secrecy of the Macedonian invasion plans and most likely played a useful role in the
417:
Another of
Hermias’ significant contributions was the insight gained through his accounts (as recorded by Aristotle) of the social and political events of the fourth century BC Greek and Persian states. A knowledgeable witness active in the political power struggle of the time, accounts of Hermias'
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in chains. Once in Susa, Hermias was tortured in a vain attempt to extract information regarding King Philip's invasion plans. Refusing to betray his colleagues, his last words were said to have been “tell my friends that I have done nothing shameful or unworthy of philosophy”. His death occurred
219:
After the completion of his education in Athens, Hermias returned to
Atarneus to rule in partnership with Eubulus. However, not long after their reunion, Eubulus died, leaving Hermias to succeed as despotic ruler in about 351 BC. In control of a large expanse of territory, Hermias began to attract
430:
More modern interpretations suggest that
Hermias was an intelligent ruler, who suffered his harsh fate because he was betrayed. Joseph M. Bryant states that his significance is rooted in his attempts to “bring philosophy to power”. Influenced by his academy-based education as well as his numerous
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Although
Hermias played only a small role in the politics of his time, the details of his death had serious historical repercussions. Having kept in contact with King Philip through the presence of Aristotle, Hermias likely knew the specifics of Philip's invasion plans for Thrace, Asia Minor and
235:
Taking advantage of their past friendship, King Philip ordered
Aristotle “to proceed to Asia Minor and join Hermias of Atarneus for political or imperialistic reasons”. Having taken leave from Athens due to rising resentment towards Macedonians as well as the death of Plato in 347 BC, Aristotle
210:
while the Macedonian Kingdom to the north remained embroiled in dynastic conflicts. Likewise, the once-great Persian Empire was hampered by internal feuds and revolts and incompetent leaders, resulting in losses of some western territories as lands in Asia Minor began to revolt or cede from the
270:
Although Hermias could have benefited greatly from a strong Macedonian military force protecting his borders from a Persian invasion, King Philip suddenly ceased his military support with Hermias as a result of Athenian threats to attack Macedonia with the assistance of Persian forces if the
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Disgusted with the actions taken by King Philip, Aristotle began to write letters to persuade Mentor to change sides. Although he eventually agreed in order to secure the support of Hermias, Mentor seized the next opportune moment to capture him and sent Hermias to
154:
Hermias of Atarneus had surprisingly humble origins given the amount of political prestige and recognition he would gain in the later years of his life. Although his date of birth remains unknown, he is first mentioned as a Bithynian slave to
179:, modern historians discredit these claims as nothing more than attempts to blacken his reputation. Although Hermias was considered a slave, he was extremely valued, respected and privileged. At an early age, Hermias was sent to
206:. During this period of time, most neighbouring powers faced major internal strife and disorder. During the early to mid-4th century BC, the power of the Greek city-states continued to dwindle in the aftermath of the
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in 341/0 BC. His final statement displayed the magnitude of Hermias' friendship with Aristotle as well as the influence of Aristotle's philosophy on his life. After his death, Aristotle created a memorial at
254:
As time passed, Hermias began to fear a Persian invasion of Asia Minor. Indeed, while he had grown up during a period of incompetent Persian leaders and rampant internal conflicts, the ascension of
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methods, as well as a milder tyranny. Not only did these changes win Hermias the support of neighbouring peoples, they also managed to increase his territory into much of the coastal countryside.
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During the first years of Hermias' life the Greek states were going through a transitional phase that would lead to the colossal expansion of Macedonian power in the form of the
243:
One surprising aspect of Hermias's life is the amount of influence Aristotle was able to exert on his decisions. While originally ruling his lands with a strict
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to reconquer these coastal cities. Under the guise of truce, Memnon tricked Hermias into visiting him, whereupon he bound Hermias in chains and sent him to
85:. Hermias eventually won his freedom and inherited the rule of Atarneus. Due to his policies, his control expanded to other neighbouring cities, such as
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to the throne of Persia in 358 BC promised eventual confrontation as the new king was determined to regain lands lost to revolt and secession from the
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viewed Hermias as a useful prospective ally. Offering a strategic launching point for Macedonian invasions, an alliance with Hermias seemed vital.
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for several years. It was during these years of his formal education that Hermias developed a strong and intimate friendship with Aristotle.
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commemorating Hermias’ loyalty and wrote a hymn to his name. Aristotle also reserved the right to marry Hermias' niece or daughter,
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philosopher friends, Hermias gradually relaxed his harsh tyranny, leaving in place a government based on Platonic principles.
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240:, Aristotle received a warm welcome and immediately began establishing political ties between King Philip and Hermias.
743:(3). Cambridge University Press for the University of Notre Dame du lac on behalf of Review of Politics: 367–394.
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the attention of neighbouring powers as his domain continued to expand. Eager to launch expansive campaigns into
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under the patronage of Hermias. Aristotle founded his first philosophical school there and eventually married
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Rusten, Jeffrey (July 1987). "Untitled Review: Didymi in Demosthenem Commenta by L. Pearson; S. Stephens".
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139:'s upcoming invasion plans. Hermias' dying words were that he had done nothing unworthy of philosophy.
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Hermias' towns were among those that revolted against Persian rule. In 341/0 BC, the Persian King,
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agreed to travel to Asia Minor, as requested by King Philip. Accompanied by fellow philosopher
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780:"Politics, Philosophy and Propaganda: Hermias of Atarneus and his Friendship with Aristotle"
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818:. SUNY series in the Sociology of Culture. Albany: State University of New York Press.
247:, Aristotle's arrival in Atarneus was quickly followed by a governmental shift to more
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later ease of Alexander's expansion into the lands of the Persian Empire.
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Andrews, Paul (December 1952). "Aristotle, Politics iv. 11. 1296a38-40".
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Diogenes Laërtius: 'And the hymn in honour of Hermias is as follows'...
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coastline of Asia Minor. While several ancient historians, such as
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135:. Hermias was tortured, presumably for Memnon to learn more about
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159:, a wealthy banker and despotic tyrant of the lands surrounding
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735:(July 1972). "Aristotle and the Foreign Policy of Macedonia".
588:. The Society for the Promotion of Hellenic Studies: 161–172.
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empire (such as the despotic government created by Eubulus).
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Leaf, Walter (1915). "On a History of Greek Commerce".
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The awe of Xenian Jove, and faithful friendship's law.
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Thy glorious prize to grasp, to reach thy lofty height.
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That fears no weary hour, shrinks from no fiery breath?
299:: “And the hymn in honour of Hermias is as follows”...
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After Hermias' death, Aristotle dedicated a statue in
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782:. In Heckel, Waldemar; Tritle, Lawrence A. (eds.).
497:(April–June 1972). "Aristotle's Sojourn in Assos".
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31:
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815:Moral Codes and Social Structure in Ancient Greece
146:and composed a Hymn to Virtue in Hermias' honour.
889:(3). The University of Chicago Press: 265–269.
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526:"Hermias (1), tyrant of Atarneus, c. 355 BCE"
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644:(3–4). Cambridge University Press: 155–167.
524:Wormell, Donald Ernest Wilson (2016-03-07).
788:. Claremont: Regina Books. pp. 29–46.
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349:Live shrined in song, and link'd with awe,
499:Historia: Zeitschrift für Alte Geschichte
326:More bland than spell of soft-eyed sleep.
530:Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Classics
16:Greek tyrant of Atarneus (died 341/0 BC)
538:10.1093/acrefore/9780199381135.013.3042
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320:Such fruit hast thou of heavenly bloom,
62:; died 341/0 BC) was a Greek tyrant of
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345:Therefore, to memory's daughters dear,
311:For thee what son of Greece would not
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505:(2). Franz Steiner Verlag: 170–176.
347:His deathless name, his pure career,
324:More tempting than the joys of home,
874:"The Deipnosophists, Book XV, 696a"
343:To quit for aye the glad sun-light,
332:With patient toil and sinewy might,
634:"Notes on the Legend of Aristotle"
322:A lure more rich than golden heap,
315:To live the life, to die the death
92:In his youth, Hermias had studied
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930:Ancient Greek slaves and freedmen
339:Descended to the realms of night;
330:And the twin boys of Leda strove,
305:And holding out the noblest prize
405:Hermias' historical contribution
341:Atarneus' King thy vision drove,
309:Or drew it on to seek the skies;
303:O Virtue, won by earnest strife,
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582:The Journal of Hellenic Studies
328:For thee Alcides, son of Jove,
307:That ever gilded earthly life,
167:, two commercial towns on the
120:, Hermias' daughter or niece.
1:
175:, claimed that Hermias was a
632:Mulvany, C. M. (July 1926).
337:Achilles, Ajax, for thy love
925:4th-century BC Greek people
112:and Aristotle travelled to
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812:Bryant, Joseph M. (1996).
375:—Aristotle (translated by
749:10.1017/s0034670500026127
696:10.1017/s0009840x00159104
650:10.1017/S0009838800024903
292:Hymn in honour of Hermias
59:
853:(trans.). Archived from
313:Deem it an enviable lot,
288:, once she came of age.
945:Ancient Thracian Greeks
638:The Classical Quarterly
935:Ancient Greek monarchs
870:Athenaeus of Naucratis
737:The Review of Politics
733:Chroust, Anton–Hermann
495:Chroust, Anton–Hermann
402:
100:. There he first met
785:Crossroads of History
778:Green, Peter (2003).
301:
940:People from Bithynia
684:The Classical Review
256:Artaxerxes III Ochus
230:Philip II of Macedon
200:Philip II of Macedon
108:'s death in 347 BC,
883:Classical Philology
847:"Life of Aristotle"
422:Views about Hermias
204:Alexander the Great
20:Hermias of Atarneus
70:'s father-in-law.
843:Diogenes Laërtius
547:978-0-19-938113-5
297:Diogenes Laërtius
208:Peloponnesian War
196:Macedonian Empire
137:Philip of Macedon
89:, in Asia Minor.
81:banker who ruled
60:Ἑρμίας ὁ Ἀταρνεύς
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451:: "Ἑρμίας".
215:Mature life
914:Categories
861:2007-02-17
851:C.D. Yonge
836:References
553:2021-09-15
377:C.D. Yonge
238:Xenocrates
173:Theopompus
150:Early life
110:Xenocrates
94:philosophy
920:Aristotle
765:143758451
712:147945297
658:170448845
610:163802392
245:despotism
198:, led by
189:Aristotle
104:. After
102:Aristotle
79:Bithynian
68:Aristotle
410:Persia.
249:Platonic
165:Atarneus
83:Atarneus
64:Atarneus
757:1406500
511:4435258
286:Pythias
157:Eubulus
127:, sent
118:Pythias
75:Eubulus
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282:Delphi
226:Persia
222:Thrace
181:Athens
177:eunuch
144:Delphi
66:, and
899:JSTOR
761:S2CID
753:JSTOR
708:S2CID
700:JSTOR
654:S2CID
606:S2CID
598:JSTOR
507:JSTOR
435:Notes
266:Death
185:Plato
169:Troad
161:Assos
114:Assos
106:Plato
87:Assos
56:Greek
820:ISBN
790:ISBN
542:ISBN
448:Suda
277:Susa
202:and
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