ALCIBIADES
c.456 - 404 BC
Greek Politician





Alcibiades was a brilliant but un-scrupulous Athenian politician and military commander who urged the Athenians to become more powerful by invading Sicily. They finally allowed him to gather an expedition for the invasion of Sicily but just before they left he was accused of sacrilege.

Alcibiades switched sides and fled to Sparta advising them to aid the Sicilians. Later he went to Asia Minor and allied himself with the Persian leader.

In 411 he was recalled by the Athenian fleet, took command and defeated the Spartans in several battles.

But in 405 the Athenians met a crushing defeat and Alcibiades was out of favor again. He fled to the Persian governor of Phrygia, who was induced by the Spartans to have him murdered.