# Clearchus — Discourses on Livy character guide

> Clearchus in Discourses on Livy by Niccolò Machiavelli.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** the despots Clearchus

**First appearance:** 0004-i

## Who they are

Spartan general and tyrant of Heraclea, killed by conspirators.

## In the story

### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xvi)

Tyrant of Heraclea who, after being recalled by the nobles, killed them to satisfy the people's desire for vengeance and secure his position.

### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/chapters/xviii)

Cited as an example of a ruler who used violence to secure authority, though his people were not as corrupt as those Machiavelli describes.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters/clearchus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/discourses_on_livy_se/characters