The legend of the sword of Damocles

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The legend of the sword of Damocles has its origins in Rome, about four centuries before our era. Despite its age, it is a story that is still present in everyday language.

The creator of the legend of the sword of Damocles seems to have been the historian Timaeus of Tauromenius. However, It was the famous philosopher Cicero who turned it into a famous storywhich is cited to this day.

Although the legend of the sword of Damocles involves some real characters, it is considered to be the fruit of imagination and that its objective is mainly of a moral nature. Cicero included it in his work Tusculan disputes and from then on she became famous throughout the West.

Marcus Tullius Cicero was one of the great Roman politicians and thinkers. He was a great defender of the Republic and always deplored the dictatorship of Dionysius I, or Dionysius the Elder, whom he remembers as “the tyrant of Syracuse.” The legend of the sword of Damocles is also an allusion to the dictator.

“In the past, those who madly sought power on the back of a tiger ended up inside it.”.

-John Fitzgerald Kennedy-

Statue of Marcus Tullius Cicero

The tyranny of Dionysius I

Dionysius I came to power thanks to the conspiracy. He had great powers of persuasion, which undoubtedly paved his way to power. So, it was not customary for leaders to have an escort. Since he wanted to have warriors under his direct command, he invented a conspiracy against him and the people approved that 600 men guard him.

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He treasured the spirit of a conqueror, which allowed him to extend his domains. He was characterized by exercising great control over the people, being implacable with their enemies. He was also very given to the pleasures of the senses. Drink, food and excessive women were his daily life. His son, named Dionysus, also had this inclination.

Dionysius I had great power, but he was not happy. He lived surrounded by the fear that his enemies would set a trap to kill him.. It is said that he slept in a bed surrounded by a moat so as not to be surprised. He only trusted his daughters to shave his beard and receive food.

The legend of the sword of Damocles

It is said that there was a courtier called Damocles who constantly flattered the tyrant. He spread the word that he was a great man and praised his lifestyle. He claimed that excesses in food and drink were natural to the ruler’s greatness.

Many thought that Damocles was actually envious of the tyrant. Once they met and the courtier praised the ruler. He’s sick of his flattery, Dionisio proposed that they change places for a dayso that he could experience firsthand the weight of power and excess.

Damocles gladly accepted and the next day he was at the government house very early to take the tyrant’s place. He sat on the throne and from then on was served by a multitude of servants that pleased even the smallest of their whims.

Suddenly, Damocles looked up and He saw that right above his head there was a sharp sword, which was only held by a horse’s hair.. It was obvious that if that thin thread broke, his head would roll off as well. Realizing this, she no longer enjoyed food, drinks and women. Shortly afterward he asked to end the experiment.

A review of history

Cicero, who made the most famous version of the legend of the sword of Damocles, belonged to the philosophical school of the Stoics. These advocated a life without excesses, since in the long run these would only generate suffering. It is then thought that this thinker wanted, mainly, to show the other side of luxury and pageantry..

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Others believe that the legend of the sword of Damocles It was a direct criticism of the dictator, highlighting his weak point: the fear of being betrayed. for those who were close to him and could do more harm to him. History shows that power, in itself, entails risks that make it impossible to enjoy banalities. “He who is feared by many, must fear many.”

It is also said that Cicero’s is an allegory applicable to any human being. The sword of Damocles represents death, which is always lurking and from which no one escapes. To that extent, we are all threatened with death and it only takes a minute for the thread to break and “our heads roll.”

Nowadays The expression “sword of Damocles” is used to designate situations in which an error can have very serious consequences.. For example, John Kennedy said in one of his speeches that all of humanity is threatened by the same sword of Damocles: nuclear war.