A History of Ancient Greece
The Glory That Was Greece
Author: Jewsbury, Lewis
Date: 1992
Alcibiades (450?-404 BC)
When the philosopher Socrates was tried and convicted in 399 BC for corrupting the young men of Athens, the judges may have had Alcibiades in mind. Intelligent, handsome, and charming, Alcibiades was a brilliant politician and general. However, his actions were driven by personal ambition, and his loyalties shifted based on convenience. His unscrupulous conduct made him a divisive figure in ancient Greece, particularly during the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC).
Early Life
Born in Athens around 450 BC, Alcibiades was raised by the statesman Pericles. As a young man, he appeared to be inspired by the integrity and intellect of Socrates. However, he later abandoned these virtues to pursue his personal ambitions.
Role in the Peloponnesian War
Throughout the Peloponnesian War, Alcibiades frequently changed sides, aligning himself with Athens, Sparta, and even Persia, depending on what suited his interests.
- 420 BC: Dissatisfied with a peace settlement, he orchestrated an anti-Spartan alliance that was defeated at the Battle of Mantineia in 418 BC. Despite this failure, he avoided banishment from Athens.
- 415 BC: Alcibiades was partially in command of an Athenian expedition to Sicily against Syracuse. Recalled to Athens to face charges for religious offenses, he defected to Sparta.
- 412 BC: After being expelled from Sparta as a troublemaker, he sought refuge in Sardis, Asia Minor, attempting to gain Persian support to overthrow Athens.
Return to Athens and Downfall
Although he failed to secure Persian aid, Alcibiades was recalled to Athens in 411 BC to assist the navy in defeating the Spartans. His strategic brilliance brought success and popularity, and by 408 BC, he was entrusted with command of the war effort.
However, a naval defeat in 407 BC led to his ostracism. Fleeing Athens, Alcibiades sought refuge in Thrace and later Phrygia, in Asia Minor. In 404 BC, Spartan influence led to his assassination by the Persian governor of Phrygia.
Alcibiades’ charisma and tactical genius were overshadowed by his lack of loyalty and personal integrity. His life remains a cautionary tale of ambition unchecked by principle, influencing the perception of leadership in ancient Greece.
