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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 Clementinum is a historic complex of buildings in Prague. Until recently the complex hosted the National, University and Technical libraries, the City Library also being located nearby on Mariánské Náměstí. The Technical library and the Municipal library have moved to the Prague National Technical Library at Technická 6 since 2009. It is currently in use as the National Library of the Czech Republic.
Its history dates from the existence of a chapel dedicated to Saint Clement in the 11th century. A Dominican monastery was founded in the medieval period, which was transformed in 1556 to a Jesuit college. In 1622 the Jesuits transferred the library of Charles University to the Klementinum, and the college was merged with the University in 1654. The Jesuits remained until 1773, when the Klementinum was established as an observatory, library, and university by the Empress Maria Theresa of Austria.