Title: 10 Surprisingly Benevolent Dictators - Toptenz.net
Headings: 10 Surprisingly Benevolent Dictators
10 Surprisingly Benevolent Dictators
10. Peisistratos
9. Ashoka
8. Marcus Aurelius
7. Khosrow I
6. Frederick the Great
5. Simón Bolívar
4. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
3. Douglas MacArthur
2. Sir Seretse Khama
1. Abdullah II
Not all people in power are quite so warm and cuddly.
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Content: His rule lasted from 561 to 527 BCE, seizing power in Athens three times. The first time, he was accepted as tyrant (dictator) of Athens by popular vote of the Athenian assembly, but his enemies soon gained enough support to have him exiled. The second time he marched into Athens with a tall, beautiful woman from outside of the city, claiming that she was the goddess Athena herself, and the people of Athens welcomed him as their ruler. He was once again ousted however, and during his ten year exile raised a private army and returned once more to Athens, and with great support from within the city began his third and final rule. During all of his rules Peisistratos was a popular and well liked ruler. He worked for the people – he offered land and loans to the needy, for example. He created a time of peace and prosperity for Athens. Upon his death however, Peisistratos’ sons Hippias and Hipparchus took over. For a while they maintained popular support, but after Hipparchus was assassinated, Hippias began to rule much more harshly, and lost the support of the people. In the end Hippias was exiled by the Spartans, who had been convinced to come and liberate Athens.