ABSTRACT
Like the preceding century, it was notable for the continued Greek colonization of the Mediterranean and the setting up of tyrannical regimes in a number of cities. It was then, for example, that the Milesians founded several towns on the Cimmerian Bosphorus, such as Panticapaeum, the modern Kerch. It was also the age of Polycrates, who thanks to Herodotus is today the best known of the 'tyrants', and of Peisistrams of Athens who was almost contemporary with him. Several of these tyrants it is true, considerably increased the strength of their cities and governed with a wisdom and sense of proportion not always to be found in the 'demagogues' of the fifth century. Pittacus of Mytilene, a city in Lesbos, who was looked upon as a tyrant, reformed the government, but resigned his authority as soon as he considered his task to be completed. A contemporary of Solon, he deserves to be reckoned with him amongst the Seven Sages of Greece.
