The Accursed acquired their name from an ancient misdeed that had taken place, according to Herodotus, before the time of Solon in the 6th century BC.

The deed had involved an Athenian called Cylon. Flushed with success after victory at the Olympics, Cylon had attempted to seize the Acropolis and become master of Athens. His takeover failed and Cylon and his allies were forced to take sanctuary at the feet of the statue of Athena there. After long debate the fugitives were finally assured that their lives would be spared, and were persuaded to come down and submit to justice. They were then executed, apparently at the instigation of the Alcmaeonid clan, an action that forever stained their line with 'blood guilt' - making them 'The Accursed'.