Hermias of Atarneus - Mature Life

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 Thrace 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.