Anacyclosis Theory Rise And Fall Of Empires

Polybius, a greek historian living in Rome during the height of roman civilization created a theory on the cycle of rise and fall of empires called Anacyclosis.

• Stage 1: Anarchy - No Political Structure
• Stage 2: Monarchy - a strong leader emerges bring in order
• Stage 3: Tyranny - the original king got the position by virtue. But later kings(usually descendants of the original) get it without the actual virtue - and thus be oppressive leaders.
• Stage 4: Aristocracy - the more powerful people in the tyrannical setting over throw the oppressive leader and take control.
• Stage 5: Oligarchy - Aristocracy becomes corrupted over time to this phase - when the rules try to enrich themselves.
• Stage 6: Democracy - The ordinary people rise up to take the power. Equality and freedom of speech becomes corner stones.
• Stage 7: Mob Rule - People get used to this and no longer defend the values - leading to rise of corrupt and deceitful leaders.

This can either devolve into Anarchy or a strong man leader emerges, restarting the cycle.