What do tyrants do?

Answer 1

According to the Wikipedia definition of tyrant:

"Plato and Aristotle define a tyrant as, 'one who rules without law, looks to his own advantage rather than that of his subjects, and uses extreme and cruel tactics -- against his own people as well as others'."

Another view: Tyrants were usually appointed by common assent to replace aristocrats who exploited the lower classes, and bring some equity and justice to the city-state.. The problem was that the displaced aristocrats sought to exterminate the tyrant, and he needed a bodyguard for protection. To get the money to pay them, he had to levy a tax which alienated the people they were protecting. This led to deposition of the tyrant, opening the way for return of the aristocrats. This was further complicated by the rise of democracy, which itself became degraded, and monarchs re-entred to scene. So there was a cycle of kings - aristocrats/oligarchs - tyrants - democracy and round again until the arrival of Macedonia brought kings again, then Roman emperors when Rome took over.

Answer 2

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