A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Εὔφρων), a citizen of Sicyon, who held the chief power there during the period of its subjection to Sparta. In B. C. 368 the city was compelled by Epameinondas to join the Theban alliance; and, though its constitution appears to have remained unchanged, the influence of Euphron was no doubt considerably diminished. In order, therefore, to regain it, he took advantage of the dissatisfaction of the Arcadians and Argives with the moderation of Epameinondas, in leaving the old oligarchical governments undisturbed [EPAMINONDAS], and, representing to them that the supremacy of Lacedaemon would surely be restored in Sicyon if matters continued as they well as were, he succeeded, through their assistance, in establishing democracy. In the election of generals which followed, he himself was chosen, with four colleagues. He then procured the appointment of his own son, Adeas, to the command of the mercenary troops in the service of the re public; and he further attached these to his cause by an unsparing use, not only of the public money and the sacred treasures, but of the wealth also of many whom he drove into banishment on the charge of Laconism. His next step was to rid himself of his colleagues; and having effected this by the exile of some and the murder of the rest, he became tyrant of Sicyon. He was not, however, entirely independent, for the citadel was occupied by a Theban harmost, sent there, as it would seem, after the democratic revolution; and we find Euphron co-operating with that officer in a campaign against Phlius, probablly in B. C. 365. Not long after this oligarchy was again established in Sicyon, by Aeneias, of Stymphalus, the A readian general, and apparently with the concurrence of the Theban harmost. Euphron upon this fled to the harbour, and, having sent to Corinth for the Spartan commander Pasimelus, delivered it up to him, making many professions at the same time (to which little credit seems to have been given) of having been influenced in all he had done by attachment to the interests of Lace daemon. Party-strife, however, still continuing at Sicyon, he was enabled, by help from Athens, to regain possession of the city; but he was aware that

he could not hold it in the face of opposition from the Theban garrison (to say nothing of his having now decisively incurred the enmity of Sparta), and he therefore betook himself to Thebes, hoping to obtain, by corruption and intrigue, the banishment of his opponents and the restoration of his own power. Some of his enemies, however, followed him thither, and when they found that he was indeed advancing towards the attainment of his object, they murdered him in the Cadmeia, while the council was actually assembled there. Being arrested and brought before the council, they pleaded their cause boldly, justified their deed, and were acquitted. But Euphron's partisans were numerous at Sicyon, and having brought home his body, they buried it in the A gora--an unusual honour (see Plut. Arat. 53)--and paid worship to him as a hero and a founder (Ἀοχηγψέτης). (Xen. Hell. 7.1-3; Diod. 15.69,70 )

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