Cylon of Croton

Cylon of Croton (Ancient Greek: Κυλώνειο) was a leading citizen of Croton, Magna Graecia, who led a revolt against the Pythagoreans, probably around 509 BC.^[1] According to Iamblichus' De Vita Pythagorae, Cylon had previously tried and failed to be accepted into the Pythagorean order (VP 248). In the climactic moment of the revolt, a meeting house was set on fire as the Pythagoreans were debating inside - according, again, to Iamblichus (VP 249). After the success of the rebellion, all debts owed were eliminated and property was seized for redistribution.^[2] The rebellion may have resulted in Pythagoras expulsion from Croton.^[3]