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Sicyon, an ancient Greek city-state in northern Peloponnesus, was located between Corinth and Achaea. Initially a monarchy during the Trojan War, it saw various tyrants rule during the Archaic and Classical periods, transitioning to a democracy in the 3rd century BC. Known for its artistic contributions, Sicyon produced renowned painters and sculptors and was home to Aratus of Sicyon, leader of the Achaean League.
After the Dark Ages, Sicyon was a Dorian city and part of the kingdom of Argos.In c. 676 BCE, Orthagoras became tyrant (sole ruler) of Sicyon and made the city independent. The Orthagorids ruled for well over a century. In the mid-sixth century, the city became part of the Peloponnesian League and fought in the Persian War (480-479) against the invaders. Sicyon remained loyal to Sparta, which protected the city's independence against nearby Corinth. During the First Peloponnesian War (460-445) between Athens and Sparta, the Athenians attacked Sicyon twice, their trieres having sailed all around the Peloponnese. When Sparta collapsed after the battle of Leuctra, Sicyon was occupied by Thebes. The city was part of the Corinthian League; the town had a Macedonian garrison that would eventually side with Ptolemy I Soter, the colonel of Alexander the Great who had started a kingdom in Egypt. In 303, however, the city was captured by Demetrius Poliorcetes, and would belong to the Antigonid realms for several decads. The theater was built in these years.
Sicyon regained its independence during the Chremonidian War (267-261). In 251, Aratus of Sicyon seized the city, stabilized its democratic government, and founded the Achaean League; in 243 BCE, he captured the Acrocorinth and convinced Corinth to join the league. The league would last until the Romans subdued Achaea in 146 BCE. During the Roman conquest, Corinth was sacked; Sicyon was now president of the Isthmian Games.After the refoundation of Corinth and heavy Roman investments in Patras, Sicyon was eclipsed and almost abandoned.
Today Sicyon contains remains of many ancient temples and theatre.
References:Dryburgh Abbey on the banks of the River Tweed in the Scottish Borders was founded in 1150 in an agreement between Hugh de Morville, Constable of Scotland, and the Premonstratensian canons regular from Alnwick Abbey in Northumberland. The arrival of the canons along with their first abbot, Roger, took place in 1152.
It was burned by English troops in 1322, after which it was restored only to be again burned by Richard II in 1385, but it flourished in the fifteenth century. It was finally destroyed in 1544, briefly surviving until the Scottish Reformation, when it was given to the Earl of Mar by James VI of Scotland. It is now a designated scheduled monument and the surrounding landscape is included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland.
David Erskine, 11th Earl of Buchan bought the land in 1786. Sir Walter Scott and Douglas Haig are buried in its grounds.