Lowell R Park
Ancient Croton was home to Milon The Strongman, one of the most admired athletes who ever lived. Champion on 30 occasions at Olympic, Pythian and other festivals, in late middle age he met a tragic end. Legends vary as to events that day, but records kept by his estate tell the following. While walking alone on a country lane, he came upon an old tree which had fallen onto the path. Perhaps in a moment of nostalgia for feats of younger days, he tried to move the tree, but fell and was pinned under the weight. The great Milon's waning strength could not save him. Particularly sad, was that it happened just days before the birth of his beautiful granddaughter, Cylena. From this point forward our typical New World history books omit nearly all of Milon's legacy. But in the galleries and academies of Greece and Italy there are documents that tell much more. It is an honor indeed, for this writer to share them.
It was on the morning of her twelfth birthday, as a stunning, dark-hued girl helped her parents build a stone walkway at their country villa, when the vigor was first felt. Working alone a little while, she tried the heaviest stones and was rewarded with effortless lifts. At first she told no one of the discovery. But before that day had ended, there was no doubt. She'd inherited her ancestor's abilities - and by age nineteen possessed awesome strength. This was Cylena. In the summer season of 485 B.C. her athletic performances and other exploits brought previously mythical deeds to life. Yet, there was another trait which helped turn back would-be invaders from Egypt, with chilling effect. In a rare occurence of nature, outward appearance gave little warning of her ability. Moderately great stature and thickness of muscle cloaked herculean power! It was while laborers struggled with pulleys to build a granite fountain at the villa, when Cylena first revealed her prowess. Watching almost unnoticed under a shade tree, she quietly stepped forward. The men were stunned, as she lifted the great blocks unaided. Before long, stories of the feats done that day could be heard, as one strolled about the plaza and marketplaces at Croton. Many people thought it unbecoming for any woman to be stronger than men. This stale, conformist mentality had stifled inspiration far too long. But soon the stories were taking on the atmosphere of folklore, of Olympic and Titan legends, and there was drama in the air! One of Croton's foremost government officials was Dinotos, who admired strong women. He became intrigued by descriptions suggesting the existence of a goddess-athlete living in the nearby countryside. A messenger was sent with invitations for Cylena and her parents to dine with Dinotos and his top aides at their vacation retreat on the shore of the Mediterranean. During the gathering he tactfully observed her, to confirm for himself that it was all true. But as they sat beside at dinner he felt a subtle disorientation, and thoughts were unclear. He later confided to the aides that it was her very presence, which had been the cause. Any resolution to the question eluded, tantalizingly just out of grasp. His men themselves felt that Cylena must be quite capable, and at their urging he arranged for athletic events in their version of the Stadium at Athens, inviting her to compete. But they soon decided that, for all her abilities, the rumors had exaggerated, and their tried-and-proven men athletes would be victorious. Unfortunately, this was where they miscalculated. Cylena hadn't let on to the full measure of her strength, which far surpassed that of the storied Milon in his heyday!
