It must be known that at that time most political functions were discharged by the nine archons.

Meanwhile Cylon and his besieged companions were distressed for want of food and water.
Accordingly Cylon and his brother made their escape; but the rest being hard pressed, and some even dying of famine, seated themselves as suppliants at the altar in the Acropolis.

The Athenians who were charged with the duty of keeping guard, when they saw them at the point of death in the temple, raised them up on the understanding that no harm should be done to them, led them out, and slew them.

Some who as they passed by took refuge at the altars of the awful goddesses were dispatched on the spot.

From this deed the men who killed them were called accursed and guilty against the goddess, they and their descendants.