← Explore on the interactive map

Pittacus

Type Figure Region Lesbos Time c. -640–-568 Also known as Pittacus

Pittacus was a statesman and military leader of Mytilene (on Lesbos) in the 7th–6th centuries BCE, living from about 640 to 568 BCE.…

Timeline

  1. c. -640–-589Mytilene · MytilenePittacus displayed military talent amid Mytilene's internal strife and foreign wars, becoming a leading figure of the city-state and laying the groundwork for his later selection as dictator.
  2. -589–-579Mytilene · MytileneThe citizens chose Pittacus as aisymnetes to end the civil strife; he promoted mild rule of law and eased tensions between aristocrats and commoners, voluntarily giving up power when his term ended and winning wide acclaim.
  3. c. -579–-568Mytilene · MytileneAfter abdicating, Pittacus became renowned for his maxims and wisdom, ranked alongside Solon and Bias among the Seven Sages of ancient Greece, influencing later political and ethical thought.

Sources