Polybius’ concept of rule,
Anacyclosis, is described Book VI of his Histories.
The Cycle of Anacyclosis
Society starts out as Ochlocracy, but the strongest element establishes Monarchy.
The Monarch’s descendants, who lack virtue because of their family’s power, become despots and the Monarchy degenerates into Tyranny.
Because of the excesses of the ruler the Tyranny is overthrown by the leading citizens of the state who set up an Aristocracy.
Aritocrats too quickly forget about virtue and the state becomes an Oligarchy.
Oligarchs are eventually overthrown by the populist public which establishes Democracy.
Democracy becomes corrupt and degenerates into Ochlocracy.
The cycle repeats.
PS: Cicero made these musings of Polybius more digestible for most in his
De Re Publica (54-51 BC).
LINK:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_re_publica
