Pittacus of Mytilene, Sage of Greece

Pittacus of Mytilene (650 BC), governed Mytilene (Lesbos) along with Myrsilus and is one of the Seven Sages of Greece. He tried to reduce the power of the nobility and was able to govern with the support of the popular classes, whom he favored. When the Athenians were about to attack his city, Pittacus challenged their General to a single combat, with the understanding that the result should decide the war, and much bloodshed be thereby avoided. The challenge was accepted, and he killed his enemy with a broad sword. He was then chosen ruler of his city and governed for ten years. He is credited with the motto known today as the Golden Rule: Do not to your neighbor what you would take ill from him. Engraving by J.W. Cook, 1825

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12698007

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47677259

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3159px x 4350px (2.5MB)

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Science Source/Mary Evans