A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Φάϋλλος).

1. An athlete of Crotona, who had thrice gained the victory at the Pythian games. At the time of the Persian invasion of Greece, Phayllus fitted out a ship at his own expense, with which he joined the Greek fleet assembled at Salamis, and took part in the memorable battle that ensued, B. C. 480. This was the only assistance furnished by the Greeks of Italy or Sicily to their countrymen upon that occasion. (Hdt. 8.47; Paus. 10.9.2; Plut.

Alex. 34.) It is probably this Phayllus whose wonderful feats as an athlete are celebrated in a well-known epigram. (Anth. Pal. vol. ii. p. 851 ; Suid. v. Φάϋλλος and ὑπὲρ τὰ ἐσκαμμένα ; Eusitath. ad Od. Θ p. 1591. 54; Tzetz. Chil. 12.435; Schol. ad Aristoph. Ach. 214.)