Definition:
The Alcmaeonids were a powerful aristocratic family of Athens which traced its lineage to Nestor. Megacles, a grandson of Nestor, was archon when Cylon tried to become tyrant of Athens. Megacles permitted the murder of Cylon's supporters in an act of sacrilege. For this reason the Alcmaeonids were expelled from Athens. The Alcmaeonids returned to Athens with the help of the king of Lydia, but went back into exile during the tyranny of Pisistratus.
Other famous Alcmaeonids were Cleisthenes, Pericles, and Alcibiades.
Alternate Spellings :
Alkmaeonids Alkmaeonidae
Related Resources:
Curse of the Alcmaeonids
Rise of Democracy Cylon and Draco
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