Hermias of Atarneus - Earlier Interpretations

Earlier Interpretations

As little is known of Hermias apart from the accounts of Aristotle, there are few sources of past historical interpretations. Due to his Bythinian origins, early Greek historians such as Theopompus and Theocritus regarded him as a barbarian. Declaring him a barbaric tyrant, they often made attempts to blacken his reputation, such as spreading the rumor that he was a eunuch. The negative criticism gained from Theocritus and Theopompus is most likely due to his usurpation of Atarneus. Both historians having been born in Chion, an island whose territory once included Atarneus, resentment to Hermias is understandable. Threatened by Macedonian invasion from the north, most of the Greek city-states condemned Hermias because of his connections to King Philip. Even Aristotle was forced to leave Athens as he had connections with both. While immediate historians rebuked Hermias for his affiliations with Macedonia, later studies of Aristotles’ writing created a general appeal towards the tyrant. More modern interpretation offers that Hermias was incredibly intelligent, suffering his harsh fate only because of his sudden betrayal. Joseph M. Bryant states that his significance is rooted in his attempts to “bring philosophy to power”. Influenced by his academy-based education as well as his array of philosopher comrades, Hermias gradually loosened his harsh tyranny, leaving in place a Platonic government. While original historical views of Hermias were critical due to the Chian sentiments, interpretation soon opened to illuminate both his intelligence, as well as his significance in his political power and use of philosophy.