Orthagorid tyranny

ancient Greek history

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July 1, 2026

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The Orthagorids were a dynasty of tyrants who ruled the ancient Greek city of Sicyon starting in the 7th century BC. They established Sicyon's independence and, under rulers like Cleisthenes in the 6th century BC, the city reached its peak power. Tyrants in ancient Greece were rulers who seized power unconstitutionally or inherited it, often arising when aristocratic regimes became unpopular. The Orthagorids, like other tyrants, may have exploited social resentments. While some tyrants were seen as oppressive, others, like Cleisthenes, were significant political figures and patrons of the arts. Sicyon later joined the Peloponnesian League and was known for its artists, including the sculptor Lysippus.12

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ancient Greek civilization
The early tyrannies
At Sicyon the Orthagorid tyranny, whose most splendid member was the early 6th-century Cleisthenes, may have exploited the anti-Dorianism already noted as a permanent constituent of the mentality of some Greeks; but since the relevant action—a renaming of tribes—falls in the time of Cleisthenes himself, it is no…
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At Sicyon the Orthagorid tyranny, whose most splendid member was the early 6th-century Cleisthenes, may have exploited the anti-Dorianism already noted as a permanent constituent of the mentality of some Greeks; but since the relevant action—a renaming of tribes—falls in the time of Cleisthenes himself, it is no…
Read More