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Cypselus
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Cypselus

tyrant of Corinth
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Article History
Quick Facts
Flourished:
7th century bce
Notable Family Members:
son Periander
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Cypselus (flourished 7th century bce) was a tyrant of Corinth (c. 657– c. 628 bce). Though his mother belonged to the ruling Bacchiadae dynasty, clan members attempted to kill him at birth because his father was an outsider. When he grew up, he overthrew them and set up the first tyrant dynasty. He was encouraged in his quest for power by the oracle at Delphi. He founded colonies in northwestern Greece, administering them through his natural sons, including his successor, Periander. Though he achieved power through demagoguery, he was reputedly so popular that he did not need a bodyguard.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Encyclopaedia Britannica.