Polycrates

Polycrates, tyrant of Samos, obtained power over that island about 532 B.C. Having put to death or otherwise removed those who helped him to power, he began to extend his dominion, endeavouring also to render it impregnable. He sent troops to the aid of Cambyses, who was invading Egypt; but those he sent, co-operating with Spartans and Corinthians, laid siege to Samos without success. He was eventually betrayed by one of his enemies, Orcetes, who, by false pretence, enticed him out of Samos, when he was captured and crucified (522 B.C.). He was a patron of art and literature, Anacreon being one of those patronised by him.