History of Greece, Volume 03 (of 12)

A historical account written in the mid-19th century. This volume continues the exploration of ancient Greek history, focusing on the political dynamics of several key city-states, including Corinth, Sikyôn, and Megara, during the age of despotism. The text delves into the governmental structures, the rise and fall of oligarchies, and the emergence of despotic rulers in these regions, providing insights into the transformation of Greek political thought. At the start of this volume, the narrative picks up from the previous discussions on Sparta and introduces the three Dorian cities of Corinth, Sikyôn, and Megara around the time of Peisistratus's reign in Athens. Grote outlines the early maritime and commercial prowess of Corinth, the shifts toward oligarchical governance, and the subsequent rise of despotic rulers such as Kypselus and Theagenês. The text also highlights the socio-political context of these changes, indicating a broader trend towards despotism across Greek city-states in the 7th and 6th centuries B.C. Additionally, it reflects on how these governments marked significant developments towards political engagement and the complexities of power balance in ancient Greece.