Tuesday September 15, 2026, 7pm
The AAIA Hostel, Promachou 2, 11742 Makriyanni, 4th floor
Please, register by sending an email to aaia@otenet.gr
Historiographical accounts of Pisistratus’ reign present a framework for comprehending the relationship between a tyrant and ‘their’ citizens. His acquisition of power in the form of a tyranny was drawn upon as a mirror to Robespierre’s alleged dictatorial ambitions during the French Revolutionary Terror and serves as a transcendental lesson to proponents of democracy. This talk will question – through re-examination of the archaeological record, particularly from the Agora – historiographical accounts which concede that Pisistratus, though a tyrant, ruled “in accordance with custom”. Is absolute rule, by its own nature, incompatible with governance according to ‘custom’? Scholarship has previously endeavoured to outline the nature of Pisistratus’ power. Less attention has been devoted to how his authority affected the public freedom of Athenian citizens. This talk will build upon previous scholarship, revisiting archaeological evidence, to form a more comprehensive understanding of the existence of public freedom in the Athenian politeia under Pisistratus’ tyranny.
2026 Recipient of the Polymnia and Aimilia Kallinikos Scholarship
Mr. Duncan Eddy Soros, Master’s Student, University of Sydney
Duncan is a Master’s Student at the University of Sydney where he is currently writing his thesis “Monarchy and Freedom: Herodotus’ Political Theory”. He also completed his Bachelor’s Degree (Honours) at the University of Sydney studying Politics and International Relations alongside Ancient History. His research focuses on Archaic Greek models of authoritarianism with particular interest in the political relationships and dynamics that both underpin tyrannical authority and contribute to its emergence.
