---
title: Cleobis and Biton
author: James Lloyd
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleobis_and_Biton/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
updated: 1970-01-01
---

# Cleobis and Biton

_Authored by [James Lloyd](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/jtl203/)_

Two over-life-size [Archaic](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Archaic/) kouroi (6.5 ft / 2 m) are housed at the [Delphi](https://www.worldhistory.org/delphi/) Museum, and date to c. 580 BCE. Their names (Cleobis and Biton) are actually written on their bases, and the sculptor is given as Polymides of [Argos](https://www.worldhistory.org/argos/): such inscriptions are unusual for this early date. They are ideal representations of strength and masculinity, in the Peloponnesian style.

The myth of Cleobis and Biton is told in [Herodotus](https://www.worldhistory.org/herodotus/), 1.31. The two sons carried their priestess mother by cart in place of oxen. They travelled from Argos to the Argive Heraion, some 45 stadia.

At their arrival they collapse, and their mother prays to [Hera](https://www.worldhistory.org/Hera/) that they may die in their sleep - the easiest [death](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/Death/) for mortals. Herodotus tells this story as part of [Solon](https://www.worldhistory.org/solon/)'s answer to [Croesus](https://www.worldhistory.org/croesus/)' questioning as to who the happiest man is.

> μετὰ ταύτην δὲ τὴν εὐχὴν ὡς ἔθυσάν τε καὶ εὐωχήθησαν, ἐν αὐτῷ τῷ ἱρῷ οἱ νεηνίαι οὐκέτι ἀνέστησαν ἀλλ᾽ ἐν τέλεϊ τούτῳ ἔσχοντο. Ἀργεῖοι δὲ σφέων εἰκόνας ποιησάμενοι ἀνέθεσαν ἐς Δελφοὺς ὡς ἀριστῶν γενομένων.
> After this prayer they sacrificed and feasted. The youths then lay down in the [temple](https://www.worldhistory.org/temple/) and went to sleep and never rose again; death held them there. The Argives made and dedicated at Delphi statues of them as being the best of men.
> Herodotus, 1.31.5

(the full passage in translation and original can be found [here](http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.01.0126:book=1:chapter=31&highlight=cleobis))

Perhaps, in this case, there is some truth to Herodotus' stories…

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored definition has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

James' main area of research is ancient Greek music, but he has general interests in mythology, religion, and art & archaeology. A self-confessed philhellene, James keeps at least one eye on the Roman pie.
- [Facebook Profile](https://www.facebook.com/jan.vandercrabben@ancient.eu)

## Timeline

- **c. 580 BCE**: The kouroi of [Argos](https://www.worldhistory.org/argos/), thought to represent Cleobis & Biton, are sculpted.

## Cite This Work

### APA
Lloyd, J. (2014, August 16). Cleobis and Biton. *World History Encyclopedia*. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleobis\_and\_Biton/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleobis_and_Biton/)
### Chicago
Lloyd, James. "Cleobis and Biton." *World History Encyclopedia*, August 16, 2014. [https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleobis\_and\_Biton/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleobis_and_Biton/).
### MLA
Lloyd, James. "Cleobis and Biton." *World History Encyclopedia*, 16 Aug 2014, [https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleobis\_and\_Biton/](https://www.worldhistory.org/Cleobis_and_Biton/).

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [James Lloyd](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/jtl203/ "User Page: James Lloyd"), published on 16 August 2014. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en). This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.