A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

7. Tyrant of CASSANDREIA (formerly Potidaea) in the peninsula of Pallene. He at first pretended to be a friend of the people; but when he had gained their confidence, he formed a conspiracy for the purpose of making himself tyrant, and bound his accomplices by most barbarous ceremonies described in Diodorus. (xxii. Exc. p. 563.) When he had gained his object, about B. C. 279, he began his tyrannical reign, which in cruelty, rapaciousness, and debauchery, has seldom been equalled in any country. The ancients mention him along with the most detestable tyrants that ever lived. (Plb. 7.7; Seneca, De Ira, 2.5, De Benef. 7.19.) But notwithstanding the support which he derived from the Gauls, who were then penetrating southward, he was unable to maintain himself, and was conquered and put to death by Antigonus Gonatas. (Polyaen. 6.7, 4.6, 18 ; Aelian, Ael. VH 14.41; Hist. An. 5.15; Plut. De Sera Num. Vind. 10, 11; Paus. 4.5.1; Heinsius, ad Ovid. ex Pont. 2.9. 43.)