Pittacus of Mytilene
Who was Pittacus of Mytilene?
Ancient Greek philosopher and politician
Biographical data adapted from Wikipedia’s article on Pittacus of Mytilene (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Biography
Pittacus of Mytilene (c. 640-568 BC) was an ancient Greek leader, military commander, and philosopher who became a prominent figure of the Archaic period. Born on Lesbos in the city of Mytilene, he rose to fame during a time of political change in Greece. Known as both a practical ruler and wise advisor, he was recognized as one of the Seven Sages of Greece, a group of early philosophers known for their wisdom and political skill.
Pittacus first became noted as a military leader during Mytilene's conflict with Athens over the control of Sigeum, a strategic spot near Troy. He made a name for himself in a one-on-one fight against Phrynon, an Olympic champion from Athens, apparently using a net to trap his opponent before delivering the fatal blow. This victory showed both his innovative tactics and personal bravery, building his reputation as a skilled warrior and thinker.
After his military victories, Pittacus got involved in Mytilene’s complex political scene during the seventh century BC. He initially joined the aristocratic group led by the brothers of the poet Alcaeus, helping to overthrow the tyrant Melanchrus. However, political changes later made him oppose his former allies, including Alcaeus, when they tried to take power by force. This led to Alcaeus and his followers going into exile, with Alcaeus writing bitter poems calling Pittacus a traitor.
Around 590 BC, the people of Mytilene chose Pittacus as aisymnetes, similar to a constitutional dictator, giving him broad powers to bring stability to the city. During his ten years in power, he made important legal and social changes, like laws that doubled penalties for crimes committed while drunk, reflecting his belief in personal responsibility and social order. He stepped down voluntarily after his term, which boosted his reputation for wisdom and self-control. Pittacus spent his last years in philosophical reflection, eventually dying in Metapontum in southern Italy around 568 BC.
Before Fame
Pittacus grew up during the Archaic period of Greece, a time when city-states began to form, there was colonial expansion, and there was a lot of social change. Mytilene, where he was born, was one of the main cities on Lesbos and an important hub of Greek culture and politics in the eastern Aegean. The island often went through political unrest, with power struggles between aristocratic families and popular movements. In this environment, military skill and political know-how were crucial for survival and success.
The seventh century BC saw the rise of tyrants across Greece, as traditional aristocratic rule was challenged by new social classes and outside pressures. During this time, new ways of warfare, legal systems, and philosophical thought emerged, giving individuals like Pittacus a chance to stand out through military skill, political ideas, and intellectual leadership. His early experiences with these changes shaped how he later governed and understood practical wisdom.
Key Achievements
- Defeated Phrynon of Athens in single combat, securing Mytilene's claim to Sigeum
- Served as elected aisymnetes of Mytilene for ten years, implementing major legal reforms
- Voluntarily relinquished dictatorial powers after restoring stability to the city
- Recognized as one of the Seven Sages of Greece for his practical wisdom
- Established legal precedents including double penalties for crimes committed while intoxicated
Did You Know?
- 01.He allegedly lived to be 72 years old and died by choking on a fig pit
- 02.The poet Alcaeus called him 'splay-footed' and 'pot-bellied' in his satirical verses attacking Pittacus
- 03.He created a law making crimes committed while drunk punishable by double the normal penalty
- 04.His famous maxim 'Know your opportunity' was inscribed at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi
- 05.He reportedly used a fishing net as a weapon in his famous single combat against the Athenian champion Phrynon