Pittacus

Pittacus (pĭtˈəkəs) [key], c.650–c.570 B.C., Greek statesman and military leader; one of the Seven Wise Men of Greece. He helped to overthrow the tyrant of Mytilene in Lesbos and became the lawgiver there, ruling for 10 years. A moderate democrat, Pittacus prevented the nobles in exile (among them Alcaeus) from returning.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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