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Tyrannies were more common formerly than now, for this reason also, that great power was placed in the hands of individuals; thus a tyranny [Thrasybulus, 7th century BC} arose at Miletus out of the office of the Prytanis, who had supreme authority in many important matters. Moreover, in those days, when cities were not large, the people dwelt in the fields, busy at their work; and their chiefs, if they possessed any military talent, seized the opportunity, and winning the confidence of the masses by professing their hatred of the wealthy, they succeeded in obtaining the tyranny. |