Harmodius and Aristogiton

Harmodius and Aristogiton (härmō'dēəs, âr'ĭstōjī'tən), d. c.514 B.C., Athenian tyrannicides. Provoked by a personal quarrel, the two friends planned to assassinate Hipparchus and his brother, the tyrant Hippias. The plans miscarried; Hipparchus was killed, but Hippias was not hurt. Harmodius was killed on the spot, and Aristogiton was executed. In spite of their mixed motives, they were soon made heroes of Athens and were given public recognition after the expulsion (510 B.C.) of Hippias. Two public statues, executed by Antenor, were erected, and coins were struck with their image.