Definition: Cylon was a seventh century Athenian aristocrat (eupatrid) who, after winning an Olympic victory in 640 B.C., tried to make himself tyrant of Athens with the help of his father-in-law, Theagenes of Megara. In his bid for power, Cylon seized the Acropolis where he failed to win the support of the people. Cylon and his supporters -- mostly Megarans -- were besieged. Cylon and his brother fled, but his supporters sought sanctuary. This should have saved them, but the Alcmaeonid archon Megacles allowed them to be killed.
Alternate Spellings: Kylon
