|  | | Cypselus | | | | Civilization: | Greek: Corinth | | Era: | City States | | died 627 BC | Field of Renown: | statesman: Tyrant |
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The citadel of Corinth
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Cypselus was the founder of a dynasty of tyrants from the city of Corinth. Under the rule of his family the city
became powerful and prosperous. His son Periander, was considered to be one of the Seven Sages of Greece. Although Periander was
highly educated and accomplished, and started his reign in a mild spirit, at length he became cruel and haughty. Periander had
two sons, but one was a dunce and he feuded with the other, so neither ascended to the throne of Corinth.
Key events during the life of Cypselus
| Year |
Event |
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Labda hides her son in a cypselus |
| 657 BC |
Overthrew the ruling family of Corinth, the Bacchiadæ. |
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Ruled Corinth harshly but prosperously for 30 years. |
| 627 BC |
The reign passed to Periander, son of Cypselus. |
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Periander becomes more tyrannical and cruel. Eventually murders wife. |
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Lycophoron rebels against his father and goes to live at Corcyra. |
| 585 BC |
Periander murdered when he goes to reconcile with his son. |
| Contemporary |
Short Biography |
| Periander |
Son of Cypselus. Considered a cruel tyrant, but one of the "Seven Sages of Greece." |
| Thrasybulus of Miletus |
Tyrant of Miletus, friend of Periander. |
| Lycophron |
Son of Periander. Furious at his father for killing his mother. |
| Labda |
Mother of Cypselus. |
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The Fountain of Peirene, Corinth 
The Citadel of Corinth