Scytalism

alternative Scytalismus · alternative Skytalism

1. historicalThe clubbing of wealthy Argives in 370 BC.

   This was the rebellion at Argos known under the name of the Scytalism (cudgelling): an event hitherto unparalleled in Greek history...

   1872, Ernst Curtius, chapter 2, in Adolphus William Ward, transl., History of Greece, volume IV

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   But in the mean time there arose such a Sedition, follow'd with such Butcheries in Argos, that the like had never been before in any of the Cities of Greece: Which new and unheard of Cruelty was call'd by the Grecians Scytalism, from the manner of the slaughter Committed... whoever were accus'd (of whom there was a vast number, and all very Rich) were Condemn'd to Death; so that there were Executed above Sixteen hundred of the greatest and most powerful Men of the City...

   1700, Diodorus Siculus, translated by George Booth, The Historical Library..., page 433

   Diodorus refers to the second year of the hundred and second olympiad a sedition, with executions ensuing, such as, he says, were never elsewhere known among the Greeks... accusations were extended till more than twelve hundred of the principal Argive citizens were executed... Among the numerous seditions of Argos this, for its enormity, obtained the distinction of a name; it was called the Scytalism, staffwork or bludgeoning.

   1836, William Mitford, The History of Greece, 2nd edition, volume VI, pages 317-8

   For there are many other facts of the ancient Greeks, the recital of which to those who are now living may serve to form and moderate their manners; as would be the relating at Athens, not the warlike exploits of their progenitors, but (for example) ... how, having intelligence of the Scytalism (or slaughter) at Argos in which the Argives put to death fifteen hundred of their own citizens, they commanded a lustration (or expiatory sacrifice) to be carried about in a full assembly...

   1878, William W. Goodwin & al. translating Plutarch as Plutarch's Morals, Vol. V: Political Precepts, §17