Hermias of Atarneus
Encyclopedia
Hermias of Atarneus who lived in Atarneus
, was Aristotle
's father-in-law.
The first mention of Hermias is as a slave to Eubulus
, a Bithynian banker who ruled Atarneus
. Hermias eventually won his freedom and inherited the rule of Atarneus. Due to his policies, his control expanded to other neighboring cities, such as Assos
, in Asia Minor.
In his youth, Hermias had studied philosophy
in Plato's Academy. There he first met Aristotle
. After Plato
's death in 347 BC, Xenocrates
and Aristotle traveled to Assos
under the patronage of Hermias. Aristotle founded his first philosophical school there and eventually married Pythias
, Hermias' daughter or niece.
Hermias' towns were among those that revolted from Persian rule. In 342 BC, the Persian King, Artaxerxes III
, sent Memnon of Rhodes
to reconquer these coastal cities. Under the guise of truce, Memnon tricked Hermias into visiting him, whereupon he sent Hermias in chains to Susa
. Hermias was tortured, presumably for Memnon to learn more about Philip of Macedon
's upcoming invasion plans. Hermias' dying words were that he had done nothing unworthy of philosophy.
After Hermias' death, Aristotle dedicated a statue in Delphi
and composed a hymn to Virtue in Hermias' honor.
, a wealthy banker and despotic tyrant of the lands surrounding Assos
and Atarneus
, two commercial towns on the Troad coastline of Asia Minor. While several ancient historians, such as Theopompus
, claimed that Hermias was a eunuch, modern historians discredit these baseless remarks as nothing more than attempts to blacken his reputation. Although Hermias was considered a slave, he was extremely valued, respected, and privileged. At an early age, Hermias was sent to Athens
to study under Plato
and Aristotle
for several years. It was during these years of his formal education that Hermias developed a strong and intimate friendship with Aristotle. It is crucial to recognize the global setting during Hermias’ early years to solidify our understanding of the actions taken during his mature life. The first years of Hermia’s life are spent in a transitional phase anticipating the colossal expansion of the Macedonian Empire, led by Alexander the Great. During this period of time, most neighboring powers face great internal strife and disorder. While the power of Greek city-states continues to dwindle in the aftermath of the Peloponnesian War
, the Macedonian Kingdom to the North remains embroiled in dynastic conflicts. Likewise, the once-great Persian Empire is hampered by internal feuds and incompetent leaders, resulting in a loss in western territories as lands in Asia Minor begin to revolt or cede from the empire (such as the despotic government created by Hermias owner).
and possibly Persia, Philip II of Macedon
viewed Hermias as a useful prospective ally. Offering a strategic launching point for Macedonian invasions, an alliance with Hermias seemed vital. Taking advantage of their past friendship, King Philip ordered Aristotle “to proceed to Asia Minor and join Hermias of Atarneus for political or imperialistic reasons”. Having taken leave from Athens due to rising resentment towards Macedonians as well as the death of Plato in 347 BC, Aristotle agreed to travel to Asia Minor, as requested by King Philip. Accompanied by fellow philosopher Xenocrates
, Aristotle received a warm welcome and immediately began establishing political ties between King Philip and Hermias. One surprising aspect of Hermias life is the amount of influence Aristotle plays on his decisions. While originally ruling his lands with a strict despotism
, Aristotle’s arrival in Atarneus is quickly followed by a governmental shift to more Platonic
methods, as well as a milder tyranny. Not only did these changes win Hermias the support of neighboring peoples, they also managed to increase his territory into much of the coastal countryside. As time passed, Hermias began to fear a Persian invasion of Asia Minor. Indeed, while he had matured during a period of incompetent Persian leaders and rampant internal conflicts, the ascension of Artaxerxes III Ochus to the throne of Persia in 358 BC promised eventual confrontation as he was determined to regain lands lost to revolt and secession from the Persian Empire
. While Hermias’ early life takes place during the disorder preceding the massive Alexandrian conquest, his mature life reveals the emergence of the Macedonian Kingdom as a formidable power, as well as the beginning stages of King Philip’s invasion plans later followed by his son, Alexander.
in chains. Once in Susa, Hermias is tortured in a vain attempt to extract information regarding King Philip’s invasion plans. Refusing to betray his companions, his last words were “tell my friends that I have done nothing shameful or unworthy of philosophy”. His death occurs in 341 BC. His final statement displays the magnitude of Hermias' friendship with Aristotle as well as the influence of Aristotle’s philosophy on his life. After his death, Aristotle creates a memorial at Delphi
commemorating Hermias’ loyalty and writes a hymn to his name. Aristotle also reserves the right to marry Hermias' niece or daughter, Pythias
once she comes of age.
Atarneus
Atarneus was an ancient city in the region of Aeolis, Asia Minor. It lies on the mainland opposite the island of Lesbos, northeast of the town of Dikili in modern-day Turkey....
, was Aristotle
Aristotle
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and polymath, a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. His writings cover many subjects, including physics, metaphysics, poetry, theater, music, logic, rhetoric, linguistics, politics, government, ethics, biology, and zoology...
's father-in-law.
The first mention of Hermias is as a slave to Eubulus
Eubulus
At least three notable persons of ancient Greece were named Eubulus:* Eubulus , Bithnyian banker and ruler of Atarneus* Eubulus , Athenian statesman* Eubulus , Middle Comedy poet...
, a Bithynian banker who ruled Atarneus
Atarneus
Atarneus was an ancient city in the region of Aeolis, Asia Minor. It lies on the mainland opposite the island of Lesbos, northeast of the town of Dikili in modern-day Turkey....
. Hermias eventually won his freedom and inherited the rule of Atarneus. Due to his policies, his control expanded to other neighboring cities, such as Assos
Assos
Assos , also known as Behramkale or for short Behram, is a small historically rich town in the Ayvacık district of the Çanakkale Province, Turkey....
, in Asia Minor.
In his youth, Hermias had studied philosophy
Philosophy
Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems, such as those connected with existence, knowledge, values, reason, mind, and language. Philosophy is distinguished from other ways of addressing such problems by its critical, generally systematic approach and its reliance on rational...
in Plato's Academy. There he first met Aristotle
Aristotle
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and polymath, a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. His writings cover many subjects, including physics, metaphysics, poetry, theater, music, logic, rhetoric, linguistics, politics, government, ethics, biology, and zoology...
. After Plato
Plato
Plato , was a Classical Greek philosopher, mathematician, student of Socrates, writer of philosophical dialogues, and founder of the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. Along with his mentor, Socrates, and his student, Aristotle, Plato helped to lay the...
's death in 347 BC, Xenocrates
Xenocrates
Xenocrates of Chalcedon was a Greek philosopher, mathematician, and leader of the Platonic Academy from 339/8 to 314/3 BC. His teachings followed those of Plato, which he attempted to define more closely, often with mathematical elements...
and Aristotle traveled to Assos
Assos
Assos , also known as Behramkale or for short Behram, is a small historically rich town in the Ayvacık district of the Çanakkale Province, Turkey....
under the patronage of Hermias. Aristotle founded his first philosophical school there and eventually married Pythias
Pythias
Pythias was the adoptive daughter of Hermias of Atarneus, as well as Aristotle's first wife.She was probably born about 381 BC and died in Athens after 326 BC. She predeceased Aristotle, which is known from his will, since it directs that her wish be honored to have her bones buried with...
, Hermias' daughter or niece.
Hermias' towns were among those that revolted from Persian rule. In 342 BC, the Persian King, Artaxerxes III
Artaxerxes III of Persia
Artaxerxes III of Persia , was the Great King of Persia and the eleventh Emperor of the Achaemenid Empire, as well as the first Pharaoh of the 31st dynasty of Egypt. He was the son and successor of Artaxerxes II and was succeeded by his son, Arses of Persia...
, sent Memnon of Rhodes
Memnon of Rhodes
Memnon of Rhodes was the commander of the Greek mercenaries working for the Persian king Darius III when Alexander the Great of Macedonia invaded Persia in 334 BC. He commanded the mercenaries at the Battle of the Granicus River, where his troops were massacred by the victorious Macedonians...
to reconquer these coastal cities. Under the guise of truce, Memnon tricked Hermias into visiting him, whereupon he sent Hermias in chains to Susa
Susa
Susa was an ancient city of the Elamite, Persian and Parthian empires of Iran. It is located in the lower Zagros Mountains about east of the Tigris River, between the Karkheh and Dez Rivers....
. Hermias was tortured, presumably for Memnon to learn more about Philip of Macedon
Philip II of Macedon
Philip II of Macedon "friend" + ἵππος "horse" — transliterated ; 382 – 336 BC), was a king of Macedon from 359 BC until his assassination in 336 BC. He was the father of Alexander the Great and Philip III.-Biography:...
's upcoming invasion plans. Hermias' dying words were that he had done nothing unworthy of philosophy.
After Hermias' death, Aristotle dedicated a statue in Delphi
Delphi
Delphi is both an archaeological site and a modern town in Greece on the south-western spur of Mount Parnassus in the valley of Phocis.In Greek mythology, Delphi was the site of the Delphic oracle, the most important oracle in the classical Greek world, and a major site for the worship of the god...
and composed a hymn to Virtue in Hermias' honor.
Early life
Hermias of Atarneus had surprisingly humble origins for the amount of political prestige and recognition he would gain in the later years of his life. Although his date of birth remains unknown, he is first mentioned as a Bithynian slave to EubulusEubulus
At least three notable persons of ancient Greece were named Eubulus:* Eubulus , Bithnyian banker and ruler of Atarneus* Eubulus , Athenian statesman* Eubulus , Middle Comedy poet...
, a wealthy banker and despotic tyrant of the lands surrounding Assos
Assos
Assos , also known as Behramkale or for short Behram, is a small historically rich town in the Ayvacık district of the Çanakkale Province, Turkey....
and Atarneus
Atarneus
Atarneus was an ancient city in the region of Aeolis, Asia Minor. It lies on the mainland opposite the island of Lesbos, northeast of the town of Dikili in modern-day Turkey....
, two commercial towns on the Troad coastline of Asia Minor. While several ancient historians, such as Theopompus
Theopompus
Theopompus was a Greek historian and rhetorician- Biography :Theopompus was born on Chios. In early youth he seems to have spent some time at Athens, along with his father, who had been exiled on account of his Laconian sympathies...
, claimed that Hermias was a eunuch, modern historians discredit these baseless remarks as nothing more than attempts to blacken his reputation. Although Hermias was considered a slave, he was extremely valued, respected, and privileged. At an early age, Hermias was sent to Athens
Athens
Athens , is the capital and largest city of Greece. Athens dominates the Attica region and is one of the world's oldest cities, as its recorded history spans around 3,400 years. Classical Athens was a powerful city-state...
to study under Plato
Plato
Plato , was a Classical Greek philosopher, mathematician, student of Socrates, writer of philosophical dialogues, and founder of the Academy in Athens, the first institution of higher learning in the Western world. Along with his mentor, Socrates, and his student, Aristotle, Plato helped to lay the...
and Aristotle
Aristotle
Aristotle was a Greek philosopher and polymath, a student of Plato and teacher of Alexander the Great. His writings cover many subjects, including physics, metaphysics, poetry, theater, music, logic, rhetoric, linguistics, politics, government, ethics, biology, and zoology...
for several years. It was during these years of his formal education that Hermias developed a strong and intimate friendship with Aristotle. It is crucial to recognize the global setting during Hermias’ early years to solidify our understanding of the actions taken during his mature life. The first years of Hermia’s life are spent in a transitional phase anticipating the colossal expansion of the Macedonian Empire, led by Alexander the Great. During this period of time, most neighboring powers face great internal strife and disorder. While the power of Greek city-states continues to dwindle in the aftermath of the Peloponnesian War
Peloponnesian War
The Peloponnesian War, 431 to 404 BC, was an ancient Greek war fought by Athens and its empire against the Peloponnesian League led by Sparta. Historians have traditionally divided the war into three phases...
, the Macedonian Kingdom to the North remains embroiled in dynastic conflicts. Likewise, the once-great Persian Empire is hampered by internal feuds and incompetent leaders, resulting in a loss in western territories as lands in Asia Minor begin to revolt or cede from the empire (such as the despotic government created by Hermias owner).
Mature Life
The amount of political disorganization among neighboring powers outlined in Hermias' early life allowed him to achieve a significant amount of political power and independence. After the completion of his education in Athens, Hermias returned to Atarneus to form a partnered rule with Eubulus. However, not long after their reunion, Hermias' master died, leaving him to succeed the despotic rule in about 351 BC. In control of a large expanse of territory, Hermias began to attract the attention of neighboring powers as his domain continued to expand. Eager to launch expansive campaigns into ThraceThrace
Thrace is a historical and geographic area in southeast Europe. As a geographical concept, Thrace designates a region bounded by the Balkan Mountains on the north, Rhodope Mountains and the Aegean Sea on the south, and by the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara on the east...
and possibly Persia, Philip II of Macedon
Philip II of Macedon
Philip II of Macedon "friend" + ἵππος "horse" — transliterated ; 382 – 336 BC), was a king of Macedon from 359 BC until his assassination in 336 BC. He was the father of Alexander the Great and Philip III.-Biography:...
viewed Hermias as a useful prospective ally. Offering a strategic launching point for Macedonian invasions, an alliance with Hermias seemed vital. Taking advantage of their past friendship, King Philip ordered Aristotle “to proceed to Asia Minor and join Hermias of Atarneus for political or imperialistic reasons”. Having taken leave from Athens due to rising resentment towards Macedonians as well as the death of Plato in 347 BC, Aristotle agreed to travel to Asia Minor, as requested by King Philip. Accompanied by fellow philosopher Xenocrates
Xenocrates
Xenocrates of Chalcedon was a Greek philosopher, mathematician, and leader of the Platonic Academy from 339/8 to 314/3 BC. His teachings followed those of Plato, which he attempted to define more closely, often with mathematical elements...
, Aristotle received a warm welcome and immediately began establishing political ties between King Philip and Hermias. One surprising aspect of Hermias life is the amount of influence Aristotle plays on his decisions. While originally ruling his lands with a strict despotism
Despotism
Despotism is a form of government in which a single entity rules with absolute power. That entity may be an individual, as in an autocracy, or it may be a group, as in an oligarchy...
, Aristotle’s arrival in Atarneus is quickly followed by a governmental shift to more Platonic
Platonism
Platonism is the philosophy of Plato or the name of other philosophical systems considered closely derived from it. In a narrower sense the term might indicate the doctrine of Platonic realism...
methods, as well as a milder tyranny. Not only did these changes win Hermias the support of neighboring peoples, they also managed to increase his territory into much of the coastal countryside. As time passed, Hermias began to fear a Persian invasion of Asia Minor. Indeed, while he had matured during a period of incompetent Persian leaders and rampant internal conflicts, the ascension of Artaxerxes III Ochus to the throne of Persia in 358 BC promised eventual confrontation as he was determined to regain lands lost to revolt and secession from the Persian Empire
Achaemenid Empire
The Achaemenid Empire , sometimes known as First Persian Empire and/or Persian Empire, was founded in the 6th century BCE by Cyrus the Great who overthrew the Median confederation...
. While Hermias’ early life takes place during the disorder preceding the massive Alexandrian conquest, his mature life reveals the emergence of the Macedonian Kingdom as a formidable power, as well as the beginning stages of King Philip’s invasion plans later followed by his son, Alexander.
Death
Although Hermias could have benefited greatly from a strong Macedonian military protecting his borders from Persian invasion, King Philip suddenly severed all communications with him as a result of Athenian threats to attack Macedonia with Persian aid if they continued plots to invade Asia Minor. This betrayal deserted Hermias to a cruel fate. In order to regain the losses of Persian territory and discover Macedonian invasion plans, Artaxerxes III commissions a traitorous Greek mercenary named Mentor. While some believed Hermias' captor to be Memnos of Rhodes, historian Diodoros claims that it was in fact his brother Mentor. Mentor is charged with the task of capturing Hermias, and therefore restoring his lands to the Persian Empire. Disgusted with the actions taken by King Philip, Aristotle begins to write letters to persuade Mentor to change sides. Although he eventually agrees in order to secure the trust of Hermias, Mentor seizes the next opportune moment to capture him, sending Hermias to SusaSusa
Susa was an ancient city of the Elamite, Persian and Parthian empires of Iran. It is located in the lower Zagros Mountains about east of the Tigris River, between the Karkheh and Dez Rivers....
in chains. Once in Susa, Hermias is tortured in a vain attempt to extract information regarding King Philip’s invasion plans. Refusing to betray his companions, his last words were “tell my friends that I have done nothing shameful or unworthy of philosophy”. His death occurs in 341 BC. His final statement displays the magnitude of Hermias' friendship with Aristotle as well as the influence of Aristotle’s philosophy on his life. After his death, Aristotle creates a memorial at Delphi
Delphi
Delphi is both an archaeological site and a modern town in Greece on the south-western spur of Mount Parnassus in the valley of Phocis.In Greek mythology, Delphi was the site of the Delphic oracle, the most important oracle in the classical Greek world, and a major site for the worship of the god...
commemorating Hermias’ loyalty and writes a hymn to his name. Aristotle also reserves the right to marry Hermias' niece or daughter, Pythias
Pythias
Pythias was the adoptive daughter of Hermias of Atarneus, as well as Aristotle's first wife.She was probably born about 381 BC and died in Athens after 326 BC. She predeceased Aristotle, which is known from his will, since it directs that her wish be honored to have her bones buried with...
once she comes of age.
Hymn in honour of Hermias
Diogenes Laertios: “And the hymn in honour of Hermias is as follows”...
O Virtue, won by earnest strife,
And holding out the noblest prize
That ever gilded earthly life,
Or drew it on to seek the skies;
For thee what son of Greece would not
Deem it an enviable lot,
To live the life, to die the death
That fears no weary hour, shrinks from no fiery breath?
Such fruit hast thou of heavenly bloom,
A lure more rich than golden heap,
More tempting than the joys of home,
More bland than spell of soft-eyed sleep.
For thee Alcides, son of Jove,
And the twin boys of Leda strove,
With patient toil and sinewy might,
Thy glorious prize to grasp, to reach thy lofty height.
Achilles, Ajax, for thy love
Descended to the realms of night;
Atarneus' King thy vision drove,
To quit for aye the glad sun-light,
Therefore, to memory's daughters dear,
His deathless name, his pure career,
Live shrined in song, and link'd with awe,
The awe of Xenian Jove, and faithful friendship's law.