A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

Smith, William

A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. William Smith, LLD, ed. 1890

(Χαίρων), a man of Megalopolis, who, shortly before the birth of Alexander the Great, B. C. 356, was sent by Philip to consult the Delphic oracle about the snake which he had seen with Olympias in her chamber. (Plut. Alex. 3.) It was perhaps this same Chaeron who, in the speech (πεπὶ τῶν πρὸς Ἀλέξ. p. 214) attributed by some to Demosthenes, is mentioned as having been made tyrant of Pellene by Alexander (comp. Fabric. Bibl. Graec. b. ii. ch. 26), and of whom we read in Athenaeus (xi. p. 509) as having been a pupil both of Plato and Xenocrates. He is said to have conducted himself very tyranically at Pellene, banishing the chief men of the state, and giving their property and wives to their slaves. Athenaeus, in a cool and off-hand way of his own, speaks of his cruelty and oppression as the natural effect of Plato's principles in the " Republic" and the " Laws."

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