Sicyon

Sicyon or Sikyon ( or ; Ancient Greek: Σικυών) was an ancient Greek city state situated in the northern Peloponnesus between Corinth and Achaea on the territory of the present-day regional unit of Corinthia. The remains lie just west of the modern village of Sikyona (previously Vasiliko). An ancient monarchy at the times of the Trojan War, the city was ruled by a number of tyrants during the Archaic and Classical period and became a democracy in the 3rd century BC. In Archaic times it was one of the most powerful city-states of the Greek world. Sicyon was celebrated over many centuries for its contributions to ancient Greek art, producing many famous painters and sculptors. In Hellenistic times it was also the home of Aratus of Sicyon, the leader of the Achaean League. The site is undergoing continuing archaeology under the Sikyon project.