The Origin of Tyranny

by P. N. (Percy Neville) Ure

"The Origin of Tyranny" by P. N. Ure is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the emergence and foundations of tyranny during the seventh and sixth centuries B.C. in ancient Greece, examining how economic transformations, particularly the introduction of coinage, facilitated the rise of tyrants. The author aims to present complex historical connections in a clear manner, making it accessible to readers beyond classical scholars. The opening of the work introduces the concepts and themes that will be explored throughout the chapters. Ure discusses the remarkable transformations occurring in Greek society during the seventh and sixth centuries, particularly the financial revolution initiated by the advent of coinage. He notes that this period was not only pivotal for commerce and trade but also witnessed the rise of tyrants who leveraged their economic power to attain political dominance. Ure sets the stage for examining specific tyrants and their connections to economic conditions, providing a historical framework that suggests a correlation between wealth and the establishment of tyranny, while acknowledging the complexity of historical interpretation regarding these figures.