The remarkable success of Polycrates, ruler of the island of Samos, did not go unnoticed by others. Among those who watched his rise with concern was Amasis, the king of Egypt. Amasis had once been a close ally and friend of Polycrates, and at first he was pleased to hear of his victories and growing power. However, as Polycrates’ success continued without interruption, Amasis began to feel uneasy.
To Amasis, such constant good fortune was not a blessing but a warning sign. In the ancient world, it was widely believed that the gods did not look kindly on mortals who were too lucky for too long. Great and unbroken success was often thought to attract divine jealousy and lead to sudden disaster Private Tour Guide Sofia.
Amasis’ Fear of Divine Envy
Amasis believed deeply that the gods were envious of human happiness. In his view, no man should enjoy endless prosperity without facing hardship. A balanced life, filled with both success and failure, seemed safer and wiser. When Polycrates continued to win every battle and succeed in every plan, Amasis feared that a terrible downfall would follow.
Disturbed by these thoughts, Amasis decided to warn his friend. He chose not to speak in person but instead wrote a carefully considered letter and sent it to Samos. The letter was meant as friendly advice, offered out of concern rather than jealousy.
The Letter from Amasis to Polycrates
In his letter, Amasis explained his feelings openly. He wrote that although it was usually a joy to see a friend prosper, Polycrates’ extreme good fortune troubled him. Amasis stated clearly that he did not trust success that never failed, because history had shown that such success often ended in ruin The Wider World During Cambyses’ Egyptian Campaign.
Amasis shared his personal belief that the best life was one that included both good times and bad times. He explained that he wished for himself and for those he loved to experience ups and downs, rather than constant happiness. According to him, this balance protected people from sudden and total destruction.
A Sacrifice to Balance Fortune
To help Polycrates avoid future disaster, Amasis offered specific advice. He told Polycrates to think carefully about all his treasures and choose the one he valued the most—the possession he would find hardest to lose. Once he had chosen it, Amasis urged him to throw it away completely, in such a way that it could never be seen or recovered again.
This sacrifice, Amasis believed, would satisfy the gods and break the chain of endless good fortune. By willingly giving up something precious, Polycrates could invite a small loss and avoid a much greater one in the future.
A Warning for the Future
Amasis ended his letter with a further warning. He told Polycrates to watch what happened after the sacrifice. If his good luck continued without interruption, then he should repeat the act and give up something else he treasured. Only by accepting loss, Amasis believed, could Polycrates protect himself from the anger of the gods.
The letter from Amasis reveals much about ancient beliefs concerning fate, success, and divine power. It shows that great fortune was not always welcomed, but often feared. To Amasis, constant success was dangerous, and humility before the gods was necessary for survival. His advice to Polycrates stands as a powerful reminder that unchecked prosperity, without sacrifice or restraint, was believed to lead inevitably to ruin.
