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Sword of Damocles
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Sword of Damocles

Greek legend
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The "Sword of Damocles" is a legend illustrating impending disaster. Damocles, a courtier to Dionysius I of Syracuse, a 4th-century BCE tyrant, spoke extravagantly of his ruler's happiness. In response, Dionysius invited Damocles to a banquet, seating him beneath a naked sword suspended by a single horsehair. This demonstrated that the fortunes of those in power are precarious. The story, related by Cicero, highlights the constant danger faced by those holding authority. The phrase "sword of Damocles" is now used to signify an ever-present threat or impending doom.12

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