Hipparchus, << hih PAHR kuhs >> (?-514 B.C.) was a son of Pisistratus, a ruler of Athens in the 500’s B.C. Hipparchus came to power with his brother Hippias in 528 or 527 B.C., after their father’s death.
Hipparchus apparently let his brother control government matters while he concerned himself with cultural affairs. He brought such poets as Anacreon and Simonides to Athens. Hipparchus was killed during an attempt to overthrow the government. The attempt was led by two young nobles, Harmodius and Aristogiton, who intended to kill Hippias as well but failed. Another Athenian named Hipparchus, a member of the same family, was elected archon, or chief magistrate, in 496 B.C.
