In his day, he was one of the most powerful figures in the Mediterranean. But you’ve probably never heard of him. I’d only really come across him once, and it was years ago, when he amounted to nothing more than a passing reference. I’m talking about Polykrates of Samos.
He popped up when I was studying A-level Ancient History under Richard Gosling – one of those schoolteachers whose infectious enthusiasm can inspire a lifetime’s commitment in the occasional student. (Without Richard, I wouldn’t be here writing this now.)
Polykrates got mentioned because, like Peisistratos of Athens, he was one of a class of authoritarian rulers – the Greek word was ‘tyrant’ – who controlled many of the Greek city-states in the late 6th century BC.
