Harmodius

Harmodius and Aristogeiton, two Athenians strongly attached to each other, who in 514 B.C. murdered Hipparchus, the younger brother of the 'tyrant' Hippias, partly on account of an insult offered by him to the sister of Harmodius, and partly with a view to the overthrow of the Pisistratidæ. They meant to kill Hippias also, but Harmodius was cut down by the bodyguard of Hipparchus, whilst Aristogeiton fled, but was afterwards taken and executed. Subsequently they came to be regarded as patriotic martyrs, and received divine honours from the Athenians, and had statues raised to their memory. A beautiful drinking-song by Callistratus celebrates their deed.