Tyranny, in accordance with its structural and institutional content, was not characterized only by a crude instrument of sole domination and subordination to the tyrant’s power by the citizens of the polis, being both a political regime and a kind of ancient authoritarianism. Tyranny was destined to play a positive role in the formation of the ancient polis.

The strengthening of its positions both within individual policies and in the international arena, especially in the Mediterranean region, caused serious concern and envy on the part of rivals who themselves were not averse to spreading and strengthening their own sphere of influence in this region, which forced the latter to actively interfere in the internal affairs of Greek policies, resorting to practical measures to the overthrow of the tyrannical regimes established there. Sparta carried out the most active policy in this direction.

In an effort to fight the tyrants with the least losses for themselves, Sparta resorted not only to active actions, but also used such tactical methods of fighting, which from the outside could look like a manifestation of indecision and even a deviation from its officially proclaimed principles. In practice, Sparta adhered to its own strategic line.

One of these policies, which claimed to be a serious rival of Sparta in the struggle for spheres of influence and leadership in the Greek region, was Athens.