Hipparkhus (2)Hipparchus

One of the sons of Pisistratus (Peisistratos) who was assassinated in 514 BCE by Harmodius and Aristogiton in a failed attempt to kill both of Pisistratus’ sons, Hippias and Hipparkhus.

Hippias was the actual tyrant of Athens but Hipparchus had a very powerful influence on governmental and social matters; Hippias and Hipparkhus ruled buy the authority of their right of inheritance rather than their ability.

The assassins, Harmodius and Aristogiton, were acting for strictly personal reasons but the death or exile of Hippias and Hipparkhus seemed destined to occur; after Hipparkhus’ death, Hippias was deposed and lived in exile; after Hippias was sent into exile, Harmodius and Aristogiton were honored by the citizens of Athens with statues and their relatives were given benefits such as tax exemption.