Title: Ancient Greek Tyrant: Definition & Overview - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com
Headings: Ancient Greek Tyrant: Definition & Overview
Ancient Greek Tyrant: Definition & Overview
Lesson Transcript
Tyrants in Ancient Greece
Pisistratus Wants to be a Hero
Dangerous Prosperity
Tyrannical Aid
Register to view this lesson
Are you a student or a teacher?
Ancient Greek Tyrant: Definition & Overview
Start today. Try it now
Ancient Greek Tyrant: Definition & Overview
Related Study Materials

Content: Pisistratus yearned to be like the heroes of Achilles, Hector, and Odysseus. How could he possibly become a hero like Achilles? Dangerous Prosperity
Pisistratus observed many problems in his hometown of Athens. There was a great divide between the wealthy and the poor. At the same time, Athens was experiencing a great amount of prosperity through trade. Many citizens gave back to their polis by becoming trained soldiers, expanding the architecture of temples, and experimenting with art. Despite this prosperity, Pisistratus' fellow aristocrats were getting wealthier, and the poor were unable to pay their taxes. Many of the farmers were forced to work off their debt by becoming slaves. Pisistratus observed the state of Athens was becoming weaker by the status quo. Athens would face a food and soldier shortage, which would allow the rivalry with other city-states to take advantage of their situation.