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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:Rosenborg Palace was built in the period 1606-34 as Christian IV’s summerhouse just outside the ramparts of Copenhagen. Christian IV was very fond of the palace and often stayed at the castle when he resided in Copenhagen, and it was here that he died in 1648. After his death, the palace passed to his son King Frederik III, who together with his queen, Sophie Amalie, carried out several types of modernisation.
The last king who used the place as a residence was Frederik IV, and around 1720, Rosenborg was abandoned in favor of Frederiksborg Palace.Through the 1700s, considerable art treasures were collected at Rosenborg Castle, among other things items from the estates of deceased royalty and from Christiansborg after the fire there in 1794.
Soon the idea of a museum arose, and that was realised in 1833, which is The Royal Danish Collection’s official year of establishment.