Around 435 BC, he conspired to overthrow the tyrant of Elea, Nearchus. He was smuggling arms to support the cause. Unfortunately for Zeno, Nearchus found out about the plot, and Zeno was arrested. Hoping to discover who the coconspirators were, Nearchus had Zeno tortured. Soon Zeno begged the torturers to stop and promised that he would name his colleagues. When Nearchus drew near, Zeno insisted that the tyrant come closer, since it was best to keep the names a secret. Nearchus leaned over, tilting his head toward Zeno. All of a sudden Zeno sank his teeth into Nearchus’s ear. Nearchus
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