Everyone knows that ancient Greece - the cradle of democracy, internationally recognized.But along with this political system tried out Greece and other forms of government.Suffice it to say that in his writings, Aristotle, along with democracy (he calls her polity), it allows for the aristocracy and the monarchy.Any deviation from the royal power Aristotle called tyranny.Depending on a particular form of government adopted by the moment, the ruler in ancient Greece could be called differently.In each case, it depended on which mode to manage the country.
Mycenaean period
Perhaps the earliest of the studied period of ancient Greece existed in the Bronze Age.Available texts suggest monarchical principles of management at the time.The ruler in ancient Greece was named "Wanaka" which translates as "master," "lord", "king".Along with the supreme ruler, the government (possibly the executive) was performed basileus.It is noteworthy that in later times the word basileus means "king".But at the dawn of Greek civilization basileus comply with other, more modest functions related to the management and military affairs.
Epoch Homer
In the Iron Age in Greece, a new type of socio-political system - policies.At this time, Homer wrote his remarkable works - the "Iliad" and "Odyssey."From his description of the Trojan War can be found many of the names that were rulers of ancient Greece.List basileus, had already received full power, large enough.Along with the names of the kings, like Odysseus, Diomedes, Nestor, Achilles, and dynasties are mentioned - Atreus, Labdakidy, Neleidy and others.All rulers in ancient Greece were considered descendants of the gods.With all of this dynastic monarchy in the country and has not developed.
Time tyrants
At the turn of 7-6 th centuries.BC.e.many policies with power passed into the hands of tyrants.Some of them were very bright and successful individuals, which later would be called "the rulers of ancient Greece."Names of Periander, Peisistratos, Kypseli and others.A characteristic feature concerning all the rulers at that time - the transience and short-term in power.Indicative in this respect was the biography of the tyrant Dionysius who ruled in Syracuse.On the position of strategist autocrat he was elected during the war, but after the enemy surrendered, Dionysius of Syracuse continued to rule until the end of life.
Archons
in democratic period of the policies of the city-states engaged in constitutional control of Master, which ruled the Archons.Translated from the Greek archon - a ruler, boss, chief.Another word that could call himself the ruler in ancient Greece - tag.For example, in Thessaly Jason Fersky deservedly he called himself tagom.
Most policies on the composition of his reign could be described as either democratic or oligarchic.The difference lay in the fact that in a democratic society, the right to vote were all free citizens, oligarchic - only people of high material prosperity.A good example was the leader of the democratic camp Pericles.His influence was so great that he deserved the honorary nickname of "demagogue" which means "rule over the people."Over time, the word acquired a negative connotation.But Pericles bearing the title of demagogue enjoyed well-deserved respect.
After the conquest of Greece by Alexander the Great his generals - Demetrius and Antigonus - began to call themselves kings.Over time, the monarch was deified, and until the Roman conquest of the land every ruler in ancient Greece was considered a king and can transmit power by inheritance.
