Hippias
~ 490 BC
 |
THE BATTLE OF MARATHON |
Hippias was the son of the Tyrant Pisistratus. Upon his father's death, he and his brother
Hipparchus ruled jointly. For the first few years their rule, like that of their father's, was benevolent, but
they became more unjust over the years, and in 514
B.
C., a rebellion
lead by Harmodius and Aristogiton, caused the
death of Hipparchus. After this, Hippias became intolerably cruel and bitter. The Alcmaeonidae family, which had
been exiled by Pisistratus, very cleverly bribed the temple at Delphi in order to gain the priest's support for an
overthrow of Hippias. The priests in turn, induced the Spartans, to help in the overthrow of Hippias. After being
driven forcibly from the city, he fled to Persia. Almost twenty years later, he returned at the head of a Persian
army intent on invading Greece. He fought for the Persians at Marathon.
Key events during the life of Hippias:
Year |
Event |
527 BC |
Became tyrant of Athens on the death of his father, Pisistratus. |
|
Ruled Jointly with brother Hipparchus, first well, then worse. |
514 BC |
Brother Hipparchus murdered by Harmodius and Aristogeiton. |
508 BC |
Alcmaeonidae family recalled from exile. They bribed Delphi to help them overthrow Hippias. |
508 BC |
Sparta invaded Athens and helped to overthrow tyrant Hippias. |
|
Hippias fled to Persia. |
490 BC |
Hippias helped to lead Persian army against Athens at Marathon. |
Other Resources
Contemporary |
Short Biography |
Cleisthenes |
Athenian statesman who overthrew Hippias, and helped institute democratic reforms. |
Hipparchus |
Brother of Hippias, and co-ruler until his murder in 514 B.C. |
Cleomenes I |
King of Sparta before Persian Wars, removed tyrants from Athens, defeated Argos. |
Harmodius and Aristogiton |
Rebels who murdered Hipparchus to save Athens from Tyranny. |