Il pastore e le bestie. Un modello di potere autocratico in Grecia antica

The metaphor of “pastoral power”, an image expressing a form of autocratic rule over the masses, is ubiquitous in ancient sources. This paper offers a comparative analysis of case studies drawn especially from ancient Greek literature, in particular from the work of the Athenian philosopher, historiographer and soldier Xenophon (ca. 430-355 BCE). The paper highlights recurring themes, variations, and the kind of power theorized by authors employing pastoral metaphors, many of whom, including Xenophon himself, were part of the Socratic circle. A matter of great interest and discussion within the circle, the topic received a detailed and original treatment in Xenophon’s Education of Cyrus, a fictional but strongly prescriptive application of pastoral power.