ELD4931990: Damocles's sword: Damocles king of goldsmithing having replaced Denys the Elder, tyrant of Syracuse, for a day in his role as ruler finds out during a feast that a sword held by a horsehair is suspended above his head symbolizing the sense of power and the risk of death that can strike at any moment (Sword of Damocles, sword suspended by a human hair used by Dionysus to show Damocles what happiness is, reminder that wealth and happiness cannot last) Engraving from “History of the world” by Ridpath 1885 Private collection / Bridgeman Images