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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:The stone church of Gamla Uppsala, built over the pagan temple, dates from the early 12th century. Due to fire and renovations, the present church is only a remnant of the original cathedral.
Before the arrival of Christianity in Sweden, Gamla Uppsala was the seat of Swedish kings and a ceremonial site known all over northern Europe. The settlement was home to royal palaces, a royal burial ground, and a great pagan temple. The Uppsala temple, which was described in detail by Adam of Bremen in the 1070s, housed wooden statues of the Norse gods Odin, Thor and Freyr. A golden chain hung across its gables and the inside was richly decorated with gold. The temple had priests, who sacrificed to the gods according to the needs of the people.
The first Christian cathedral was probably built in the 11th century, but finished in the 12th century. The stone building may have been preceded by a wooden church and probably by the large pagan temple.