Plato and the Tyrant

In Plato and the Tyrant, acclaimed historian James Romm uncovers the complex reality of Plato's engagement with the authoritarian rulers of Syracuse, the Dionysiuses, challenging the idealized image of the philosopher. Through personal letters, Romm illustrates how Plato attempted to guide these rulers towards wisdom while simultaneously crafting his seminal work, Republic. However, his efforts not only intersected with personal relationships that led to political turmoil but also had disastrous consequences for both Plato and the region of Greek Sicily. This exploration reveals how Plato's vision of enlightened autocracy ultimately spiraled into chaos.