Ploutos e plousioi nella storiografia greca tra Erodoto e Senofonte

The use of wording referred to ploutos is ambiguous in ancient Greek historiography. On the one hand, wealth is felt as potentially positive, being an incentive and support to action; moreover, it is also a valuable tool of political and social relations. But, on the other hand, it also causes tension within the community and, first of all, it leads to forms of selfishness which can inhibit a good ethical behavior in the political and social life. Starting from the reflection of the archaic poets, Greek historiography offers a valuable reconsideration on the subject of ploutos; Thucydides’ contribution is noteworthy for its originality.