After a short time, the supporters of Megacles and the followers of Lycurgus decided to set aside their rivalry. They joined forces with one common goal: to remove Pisistratus from power. Their united effort succeeded, and Pisistratus was driven out of Athens. His rule had not yet become strong or secure, and so it collapsed quickly.
However, this alliance did not last long. Once Pisistratus was gone, the old arguments and rivalries returned. The political factions began to fight each other again. The struggle for power became exhausting, especially for Megacles, who found that constant conflict brought no real success or stability The Return from Exile.
A New Alliance Is Formed
Tired of the endless fighting, Megacles decided to take a different approach. He sent a messenger to Pisistratus with a surprising proposal. Megacles offered to help restore Pisistratus to power if he agreed to marry his daughter. Pisistratus accepted this offer without hesitation. An agreement was made, and the two former enemies became allies.
After settling the terms, they began to plan how Pisistratus would return to Athens. Instead of using force or open warfare, they chose a strange and deceptive method. This plan would later be remembered as one of the most foolish tricks ever used in Greek history.
A Curious and Deceptive Plan
The plan was simple but bold. In the district of Paeania, there lived a woman named Phya. She was very tall, only slightly shorter than four cubits, and she was also attractive in appearance. Megacles and Pisistratus decided to use her in their scheme.
They dressed Phya in full armor and carefully instructed her on how to stand and behave. She was told to act with dignity and calm, as if she were a divine being. They then placed her in a chariot and prepared to drive her into the city Ephesus Sightseeing.
Before the chariot arrived, heralds were sent ahead. These messengers announced to the people of Athens that Pisistratus was returning. They claimed that the goddess Athena herself was bringing him back to her sacred citadel. According to the announcement, Athena honored Pisistratus above all other men and had chosen to guide him home.
The People Are Deceived
The message spread quickly through the countryside and reached the city. Many people believed the story without question. They accepted that the woman in the chariot was truly the goddess Athena in human form.
When Phya entered Athens, the citizens bowed down before her in worship. They welcomed Pisistratus with joy and respect, believing that he had the support of the goddess. In this way, Pisistratus was restored to power without a battle.
The Return of Pisistratus
This event shows how easily people can be influenced by strong belief and clever storytelling. Even the Athenians, known for their intelligence and sharp thinking, were fooled by this display. Trusting what they thought was a sign from the gods, they accepted Pisistratus once again as their ruler.
Through this strange and theatrical trick, Pisistratus regained control of Athens. His return marked another chapter in the city’s troubled political history, shaped by ambition, rivalry, and deception.
