Description
Throughout history the mob has played its part in the rise and downfall of kings and politicians: a many-headed beast to be tamed or inflamed. The Greek democracies and the Roman Republic were shaped by the perceived will of the people. This was never more evident than when a mob took to the streets, seeking vengeance, to overthrow tyranny, or to protect themselves from aggressors. Ill-equipped - armed only with tools or whatever makeshift weapon was to hand - what they lacked in skill at arms was made up for by their righteous anger and superior numbers. Against such violence, even regular troops could be overwhelmed in the confined space of a city. Mobs were no respecters of status: the great Epirot king, Pyrrhus, having seized the throne of Macedon was attempting to put down unrest in its subject city of Argos. Facing a mob, he was knocked down by a roof tile thrown by an old woman and momentarily stunned, giving an Argive soldier the chance to behead him on the spot.
