Polycrates (disambiguation) facts for kids

Polycrates (pronounced Poh-LIK-rah-tees) is a name from ancient Greece. It was used by several important people. The most famous Polycrates was a powerful ruler of the island of Samos. He lived a very long time ago, around 538 BC to 522 BC.

Polycrates: The Powerful Ruler of Samos

Polycrates was a famous ruler, sometimes called a "tyrant," of the Greek island of Samos. In ancient Greece, a tyrant was often a strong leader who took power by himself. They were not always bad rulers. Polycrates made Samos a very rich and powerful place.

Who Was Polycrates?

Polycrates was born on the island of Samos, which is in the Aegean Sea. He lived during a time when many Greek city-states were growing strong. He became ruler of Samos around 538 BC. He ruled for about 16 years until 522 BC.

How He Became Ruler

Polycrates took control of Samos with the help of his brothers. He quickly became the sole ruler. He built a very strong navy, which was a fleet of warships. This navy helped him control the seas around Samos. It also helped him become very wealthy through trade and by collecting money from other islands.

His Time as Ruler

Under Polycrates, Samos became a center of art, culture, and engineering. He spent a lot of money on grand building projects. These included a huge harbor, a temple to the goddess Hera, and an amazing tunnel. This tunnel, called the Tunnel of Eupalinos, brought fresh water into the city. It was a marvel of ancient engineering.

Polycrates was also known for his great wealth. He had many ships and a large army. He made alliances with powerful neighbors, like the pharaoh of Egypt. He was a very successful and feared leader in the Aegean Sea.

The End of His Rule

Polycrates' rule ended when he was tricked by a Persian governor named Oroetes. The Persians were a very powerful empire at the time. Oroetes invited Polycrates to the mainland, promising him more wealth. However, it was a trap, and Polycrates was captured and killed. His death marked the end of Samos's great power under his rule.

Other People Named Polycrates

• Polycrates (sophist): This Polycrates lived later, around 440-370 BC. He was a writer and a teacher. He was known for writing speeches that praised unusual things or criticized famous people.
• Polycrates of Ephesus: This Polycrates lived much later, around AD 130-196. He was a bishop, which is a leader in the early Christian church.