Editing Sicyon (section)

== Medieval history ==
During the early Middle Ages, Sikyon continued to decline. It became a bishop's seat and, judging by its later designation "Hellas," it appears to have become a haven for populations seeking refuge from the settlement of [[Slavs|Slavic]] groups in Greece during the 7th century.<ref name=EB1911/> Following the [[Fourth Crusade]], the settlement, then known as Vasilika (Basilikata), came under the control of the [[Principality of Achaia]] and became part of the prince's domain. A castle was erected atop the ruined ancient acropolis by Prince [[William of Villehardouin]] (1246–1278), to complement the defenses of Corinth.<ref>Bon 1969: 104, 476, 482.</ref> By 1369, many villages in the vicinity of Vasilika were abandoned due to the raids of Turkish pirates.<ref>Topping 1975: 138.</ref> Together with Corinth, Vasilika was acquired by the Florentine in Angevin service [[Niccolò Acciaioli]], from whom it passed to Donato Acciaioli in 1362. Donato's son Angelo Acciaioli mortgaged Corinth and Vasilika to his cousin [[Nerio I Acciaioli]], the future [[Duchy of Athens|duke of Athens]], by 1372.<ref>Bon 1969: 250.</ref> When Nerio died in 1394, Corinth and Vasilika were inherited by his daughter, [[Francesca Acciaioli]], who had recently married [[Carlo I Tocco]], the [[County Palatine of Cephalonia and Zakynthos|count palatine of Cephalonia and Zante]]. These provisions were contested by Nerio's other daughter, [[Bartolomea Acciaioli]], and her husband, Despot [[Theodore I Palaiologos]] of [[Despotate of the Morea|the Morea]]. Following the ensuing conflict, Francesca and Carlo were only able to retain Vasilika and Megara, while Corinth passed to the Despot Theodore.<ref>Bon 1969: 270; Topping 1975: 158.</ref> Finally, Despot [[Theodore II Palaiologos]] of the Morea seized Vasilika in 1427, alongside other gains from the Principality of Achaia.<ref>Bon 1969: 481.</ref> The [[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman Turks]] invaded and subjugated Corinth and Vasilika, alongside other northern Moreot towns and fortresses, in 1458, two years before completing the conquest of the Morea in 1460–1461.<ref>Fine 1987: 565.</ref>

A village named until 1920 ''Vasiliko'' (described by the 1911 ''[[Encyclopædia Britannica]]'' as "insignificant") lies next to the site of ancient and medieval Sikyon. It is now named [[Sikyona]], reflecting the name of the ancient city.