Nicocles of Salamis, king of ancient Salamis in Cyprus and son of Evagoras I, was among the rulers that ancient writers presented as models of justice and good governance. In a report by the Swedish newspaper What's New? What's New? of 1772 is presented as a monarch who ruled with prudence, respect for his subjects and devotion to the public interest. The text is an interesting testimony to how the ancient Greek history of Cyprus continued to attract European interest even in the 18th century.
For Nikoklis, King of Cyprus – What's New
Nikokles, son of Evagoras and king of Salamis in Cyprus, had before him the shining example of his father and predecessor and seriously tried to follow in his footsteps.
When he ascended the throne, he found the royal treasury almost exhausted by the great expenses incurred in the Persian War. Other rulers in a similar situation would have resorted to arbitrary measures. But Nicocles had better principles. Exiles, confiscations of property, and heavy taxes were never mentioned in his reign. The safety of the citizens was his main concern, and justice his favorite virtue.
He gradually freed the state from debts without burdening the people with excessive taxes. On the contrary, he limited his own unnecessary expenses and managed the kingdom's revenues wisely.
"Having the certainty," he said, "that I have not wronged even my humblest subject, I have the satisfaction of knowing that I have helped the state and benefited many."
He believed that he had every right to express himself in this way and that his words would spread among his subjects.
Nikokles was also distinguished by another virtue, rare even among rulers: marital fidelity and continence. He considered it an honor to have loved or desired no other woman except his queen and believed that he was just as obligated to observe marital fidelity as his wife.
photo / source: https://ypervorioi.blogspot.com/2026/06/1772.html
