Lucian of Samosata Phalaris
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Lucian of Samosata

Phalaris

satire

Phalaris. Two speeches defending the Sicilian tyrant Phalaris, who roasted his enemies in a bronze bull. An exercise in paradoxical argument.

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Books

  • 1
    Book 1

    The tyrant Phalaris of Acragas sends a bronze bull to Delphi and makes his case to the priests, arguing that his cruelty has been exaggerated by his enemies.

    ~1,960 words
  • 2
    Book 2

    The Delphic priests debate whether to accept the tyrant's gift, weighing piety against the political implications of endorsing Phalaris.

    ~930 words
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