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The elder Megacles was one of the early members of the Alcmaeonidae clan. He was a contemporary of Draco (fl. 620 B.C.) and is most famous for his opposition to the Tyrant Cylon. Megacles and his clan killed Cylon when he was still protected by a temple sanctuary, and therefore brought about the indignation of the townspeople, who feared the wrath of the Gods. The entire Alcmaeonidae clan was exiled.
A few generations later however, the Younger Megacles (fl. 540 B.C.) appeared on the scene. He was a sometimes ally, and sometimes enemy of Pisistratus. Due to his intrigues the Alcmaeonidae were again exiled. The younger Megacles is most well known for his celebrated marriage to Agariste, daughter of Cleisthenes of Sicyon, and the fact that he was father to Cleisthenes of Athens, and great-grandfather to Pericles.
Famous Marriage in | Pictures from Greek Life and Story by Alfred J. Church |
Of the Sons of Alcmaeon and the End of Miltiades in | The Story of the Persian War by Alfred J. Church |
Cylon Fails to Make Himself Tyrant in | The Story of Greece by Mary Macgregor |
Pisistratus Becomes Tyrant in | The Story of Greece by Mary Macgregor |
Suitors of Agariste in | Historical Tales: Greek by Charles Morris |
Rule of Pisistratus and the Alcmaeonidae in | The Story of the Greek People by Eva March Tappan |
Tyrant of Athens. Respected Solon's laws. Established festivals, and promoted culture. | |
Agariste | Wife of Megacles, daughter of Cliesthenes of Sicyon. Mother of Cliesthenes of Athenes. |