Solon appeared at the Amphictyonic council, represented the sacrilege of the Cirrhaeans, and persuaded the Greeks to arm in defence of the altars of their tutelary god.

Clisthenes, the tyrant of Sicyon, was sent as commander-in-chief against the Cirrhaeans (B.C.

595); and (according to Plutarch) the records of Delphi inform us that Alcmaeon was the leader of the Athenians.

The war was not very successful at the onset; the oracle of Apollo was consulted, and the answer makes one of the most amusing anecdotes of priestcraft.

The besiegers were informed by the god that the place would not be reduced until the waves of the Cirrhaean Sea washed the territories of Delphi.