Cleobulus of Lindos – One of the Seven Sages of Ancient Greece

Every time you visit a place filled and rich in ancient history, you will find yourself easily soaked and absorbed in the sites and the atmosphere and ambience as a whole. However, many tourists often tend to overlook and forget about all the important names and people that left a significant effect on the history of these places through the years. One notable figure that must never be forgotten and overlooked every time you visit or talk about Lindos in Rhodes is none other than Cleobulus of Lindos. The existence of a so significant personality is one of the unknown facts about Rhodes island.

If you have read some things about Lindos and its history, you have surely encountered the name of Cleobulus. Born in the 7^th century, he was the son of Evagoras. He was also a citizen or resident of Lindos in Rhodes. He became the ruler of Lindos City for more than 40 years. Cleobulus also went to Egypt to study philosophy and it was said that he was a remarkable power. His daughter named Cleobulina also became an established poet of her time. Some people spoke of Cleobulus very highly. In fact, many important figures called Cleobulus as the King of the Lindians. He was also thought to be a nice and strong person.

He was also dubbed as The Wise and was also named as among the Seven Sages of Greece.

For those who might be hearing the phrase Seven Sages of Greece for the first time, this was actually the name that was given to those people who were claimed to have the wisdom during that time. All of them lived around the 7th-6th century BC and were believed to have all come from different cities Greece. These people helped to shape many aspects of life in ancient Greece and can include philosophers, statesmen, lawmakers, and others. 

The Seven Sages or Seven Wise Men of Ancient Greece as well as their most popular quotes are listed below:

• Solon of Athens – “Nothing in excess”
• Chilon of Sparta – “Know thyself”
• Thales of Miletus – “To bring surety brings ruin”
• Bias of Priene – “Too many workers spoil the work”
• Cleobulus of Lindos – “Moderation is the chief good”
• Pittacus of Mitylene – “Know thine opportunity”
• Periander of Corinth – “Forethought in all things”

Periander and Cleobulus were both tyrants of the cities they lived. This is why some Greeks substituted Myson of Chen or the Scythian prince Anacharsis instead of them. On top of that, there were at least twenty other personalities whom someone in antiquity included them in the list of the Seven.

Cleobulus was believed to live until 70 years old. If you will visit Lindos, you can see a huge stone on the peninsular opposite the Acropolis of Lindos. This stone is called the Tomb of Cleobulus and it is a very beautiful setting that offers a scenic view of Lindos village. However, it is said that this is not really where Cleobulus was buried in the first place. Anyway, a walk to the place is definitely one of the must things to do when you are in Lindos. 

However, this remains to be very wonderful homage to Cleobulus because during his time of reigning the place centuries ago, it was believed that Lindos thrived under his rule. It was also said that Cleobulus was the one responsible for the success and wealth of Lindos when he was in command of the place during 6^th century BC.

One more significant homage to Cleobulus was an asteroid that was named in his memory. There was an asteroid discovered in 1989 and this was called 4503 Cleobulus. There were also many sayings that were attributed to him as well.

So, the next time you decide to take a trip to Lindos, make sure that you don’t only visit the sites and attractions but also commemorate the people who played an important role in them such as Cleobulus.

• ” Ignorance and talkativeness bear the chief sway among men.”
  
• “Cherish not a thought.”
  
• “Do not be fickle, or ungrateful.”
  
• “Be fond of hearing rather than of talking.”
  
• “Be fond of learning rather than unwilling to learn.”
  
• “Seek virtue and eschew vice.”
  
• “Be superior to pleasure.”
  
• “Instruct one’s children.”
  
• “Be ready for reconciliation after quarrels.”
  
• “Avoid injustice.”
  
• “Do nothing by force.”
  
• “Moderation is the best thing.”

References

Diogenes Laërtius, Lives of the Eminent Philosophers Book I, Chapter 6

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