Final answer:
Cypselus of Corinth was known as a tyrant, a figure in Greek antiquity who came to power to resolve social conflicts without holding an official political status. Tyrants aimed to serve the political needs of the hoplite class and often worked for the general good, unlike modern dictators who rule oppressively and with absolute power.
Step-by-step explanation:
Cypselus of Corinth was known as a "tyrant," a term used in Greek antiquity to describe a person who seized power without legal right but was initially chosen by citizens to prevent civil strife. Tyrants, often from the aristocracy, were mandated to address the political demands of the hoplite class. The term "tyrant" did not originally signify cruelty or injustice, as many tyrants were instrumental in resolving significant political issues while balancing the interests of the hoplites and aristocrats. During the period between 650-500 BCE, known as the "Age of Tyrants," many Greek poleis adopted tyrannical leadership to prevent conflict between different social groups.
In contrast to a dictator, as understood in Roman terms, a tyrant did not hold an official political status and had to maintain public favor to remain in power. They sometimes redistributed lands from the aristocracy to free citizens and engaged in various public works and trade promotion. This historical context differentiates the classic notion of a tyrant from a modern dictator, which we understand as a leader wielding absolute power, often attained and maintained through oppression and fear.