many other cities in the Troas^ along the Hellespont, and on
the coast of Thrace. Lesbos contained six cities, of which
the most famous was Mytilene, the birthplace of Pittakus,
one of the seven wise men of Greece, of the lyric poet AI?
kaBos, and of the ever-famous Sappho. For a long time this
city was subject to violent dissensions and civil strife. Usurp-
ers repeatedly arose and grasped at the supreme power, until
at last the citizens intrusted the direction of their afEairs to
Pittakus, investing him with absolute authority for a period
of ten years (587 b. c). Pittakus, who was already distin-
guished in war, then made himself doubly renowned by the
wisdom and moderation with which he discharged his impor-
tant trust, and by his disinterested patriotism in voluntarily
laying aside his absolute power after the ten years had
elapsed. Of the subsequent internal history of Mytilene lit-
tle is known.
