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

(Διοκλῆς).

1. A brave Athenian, who lived in exile at Megara. Once in a battle he protected with his shield a youth whom he loved, but he lost his own life in consequence. The Megarians rewarded the gallant man with the honours of a hero, and instituted the festival of the Diocleia, which they celebrated in the spring of every year. (Theocrit. 12.27, &c.; Aristoph. Ach. 774; Plut. Thes. 10; Dict. of Ant. s. v. Διόκλεια.)