A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Ζεύξιππος), a Boeotian, one of the partisans of the Romans. When Brachyllas was made Boeotarch he and some others betook themselves to T. Quinctius at Elatea, and gained his sanction for the assassination of Brachyllas, which they accomplished with the aid of Alexamenus, the general of the Aetolians, who provided them with the instruments for effecting their nefarious project. (Liv. 33.27, 28; Plb. 18.26.) Zeuxippus at first put a bold face upon the matter, taking part in the investigation that ensued that he might divert suspicion from himself. Some who were put to the torture, falling in with the suspicion entertained by many, charged Zeuxippus and Pisistratus with the crime. Zeuxippus fled by night to Tanagra, and alarmed lest information should be given by one of his slaves, who was privy to the whole affair, removed from Tanagra to Anthedon, thinking the latter a safer place. During his exile he did the Romans some good service in their wars with Antiochus and Philippus. The Roman senate, in return, complied with a request which he made to them, and wrote to the Boeotians requesting his recall. With this request, however, the Boeotians did not comply, fearing lest it should occasion a breach between themselves and Macedonia, and they sent an embassy to Rome intimating their intention. Zeuxippus himself came to Rome at the same time, and the Romans charged the Aetolians and Achaeans with the duty of carrying their wishes into execution. The Achaeans did not approve of declaring war for that object, but sent an embassy to the Boeotians, who promised to yield to their desire, but did not do so. This procedure led to some hostile inroads into Boeotia, and a regular war would have broken out if the senate had persisted in their demand; but they suffered the matter to drop. (Liv. l.c. ; Plb. 23.2.)

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