word "despotism" on the lips of many people, but people often do not know the exact meaning of this word and use it appropriate and not quite.Here we describe what despotism as interpreted this word different sources, and what are its characteristics.
Despotism - what's that?
Let's start with the most general definition of the word.So despotism - a specific form of the state, where all power belongs exclusively to the monarch.Such power is not regulated by law, the monarchy is usually hereditary, and the ruler of rules, relying on the military-administrative apparatus.
despotism most often occurs as a form of government in ancient empires.For example, in Egypt, Assyria, Persia, Babylonia, China and India.Naturally, in this case the word despot was law or discussed.It is in times of despotism taken the most stupid and bloody laws.This is not surprising, since the identity of the ruler was idolized.A striking example of this - the Egyptians.Even after the death of Pharaoh was equal to God, and to render it appropriate honors.Despite the fact that the power of the despot was de jure unlimited, de facto, everything was wrong.Activities despot was limited and often subordinated to the interests of a narrow circle of the nobility.Thus, despotism - a convenient form of government for the elite and often coexists with the oligarchy.
consider the notion of "ancient oriental despotism"
concept of oriental despotism goes even from Herodotus - the father of history.He described a situation where the rulers did not just shut the temples, large and small, but also forced people to build themselves huge, majestic tombs and tombs.The concept of ancient oriental despotism had certain traits.So, the head of state, the arbiter of the court and was the embodiment of the universal law of the despot-ruler.He was worshiped, idolized him, he hated and feared.The form of government was, of course, monarchist, and power was hereditary.But the despot could not govern without the support of a powerful ramified administrative apparatus.It was necessary in order to effectively manage disparate society, which has already formed the different layers, not to mention the fully-formed property inequality.Moreover, in ancient times Eastern society took shape and acquired the features that can be traced even today.For example, it has been differentiated, and every social stratum not only had their place in the hierarchy, but also noted for its organization, rights and duties.It is on this foundation could take shape and riotous color blooming beginnings despotism of the Ancient East.
hierarchy of ancient Eastern societies
Speaking about the society of the ancient East, we can not ignore such a social phenomenon as slaves.Most often, it was the so-called domestic slavery, when a slave was the property of a huge family.In addition, slaves labored in the temple complex in construction, in the fields.Who became a slave?
In principle, a slave could be anyone.Most often, this social stratum replenished prisoners.But it also happens that a slave could become a free man.This debt slavery.The more and more becoming a community, the greater the extent of acquired debt slavery.If we talk about slavery in general, in Egypt and in China at the turn of ages 2-3 even create markets where slaves were sold only for every taste.Rabah could afford to buy even a shepherd, a gardener or a craftsman mediocre.It is also part of the features of despotism.All this points to the enormity of the slave trade.
Features oriental despotism
Firstly, it is the religious content of despotic power of the ruler.Monarch revived under despotism believe God, his incarnation.Accordingly, the power given to him by none other than the Almighty himself, and there was absolute.
monarch considered the sole judge, a measure of the legality of any act.This says it all: the ratio of the monarch to his title.Such formulation of the problem of power was to unite the society.And it united.After all, if the power given to the monarch again, if it was given to him by God, contrary to the governor simply useless.It's silly, because the divine power, by definition, a wise and is aimed at the public good.Therefore, the power of the despot and kept, people just afraid to go against his rule.Especially since he was considered by none other than the high priest or the head of the whole priestly hierarchy.Consider other features of despotism.
Responsibilities despot as head of the priestly hierarchy
He had every right to hold all religious ceremonies associated with birth and fertility cycle.In some cases, the ruler could even abolish the worship of the old gods and to establish an entirely new cult (as happened in Egypt).
But what in any case should not have done reigning monarch - is to take part in the rituals associated with death.This was partly due to the fact that the divine power could carry only good, only to win, but to sow death and grief.In addition, sometimes rulers introduced its own cult.This created the impression of integrity, the sanctity of the body of the ruler.Therefore, an attempt could be likened to blasphemy, speeches against God (or gods) and was punished most severely.For example, the unlucky killer could be executed, exiled, and the like.But not everything was so smooth.
Golden cage despot
Despotism is not a person.The monarch lived in a golden cage, as it was linked to many restrictions.For example, his life was strictly regulated palace etiquette, conventions and prejudices.Often this is all done in order to protect a sacred monarch.Sometimes, however, the governor could even be killed simply because, according to the astrologer, the term of his life on earth has expired.It is not necessary to explain why the courts have always been a magician-soothsayer.Any ruler was interested in how to maximize the astrologer prolongs its life.As a result, it is astrologers played the role of "gray cardinal" because depended on them, paradoxically, the life of semi-divine ruler.
We touch features the power of the monarch despotic
His position had nothing to do with the identification of the ruler and the state itself.It just takes its place among the other compulsory institutions.And yet his power was not so unlimited.For example, the governor submitted a variety of laws and regulations established earlier.Yes, the governor would establish new rules of life, issuing laws and decrees, but at the same time, these laws have had some limitations.
In particular, they should not contradict the fundamentals of society.An excellent example of this can be India.Although the governor and could issue any decrees, they were not in any case concerning violations of the caste system and way of life of people, issues related to faith.A very interesting question about who decides, corresponds to a particular law violates the will of the gods or her.Even in Babylon adopted laws were not to be in conflict with the traditional principles of the rule of law.Even the first code of laws was created as an attempt to protect traditional orders from new destructive phenomena in the society.
Could judge despot?
In addition, the power of the despot does not involve judicial rights.It is the default was the arbiter of justice.He could pardon the offender or to punish him for his discretion.Sometimes there is a kind of royal justice, for example, a representative of such a court was Solomon.Thus, despotism - it is often not what is meant by the word people.
