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In 45 bce, the Roman orator and philosopher Cicero wrote a parable now known as the Sword of Damocles . In the tale a fatuous courtier named Damocles continually flatters Dionysius, an unhappy king who rules over the Sicilian city of Syracuse. Dionysius is rich and powerful and enjoys all the best in life—at least as Damocles sees it. Annoyed, the king challenges Damocles to sit on his throne and experience all the pleasures of kingship. Damocles gladly accepts only to discover to his chagrin that a sword with a killing blade dangles over the seat of power, suspended