key people of plp wars

Themistocles

Athenian leader who supported increasing the navy and helped scheme to rebuild the Athenian walls following the Persian wars, even though Sparta did not want Athens to do so. Fought at Thermopylae.

Pericles

A powerful Athenian politician who transformed the Delian League into a true Athenian empire and advocated for certain reforms, such as paying jurors.

Archidamnus

A Spartan king who helped negotiate the end of the 1st Peloponnesian War with Athens and ruled in the leadup to the 2nd Peloponnesian War. Known for being a cool, calm, and collected leader.

Nicias

An Athenian politician and general who negotiated the failed Peace of Nicias with Sparta and commanded Athenian forces during the siege of Syracuse in Sicily.

Demosthenes

An Athenian general known for his victory at Pylos and correctly guessing the mode of the Spartan attack there.

Cleon

An Athenian demagogue who rose to power after the death of Pericles and was known for his aggressive policies during the war and refusal to negotiate with the Spartans.

Brasidas

A Spartan general who was victorious at Amphipolis and respected for his kind treatment of civilians. Other poleis requested his liberation from the Athenians.

Alcibiades

An Athenian politician known for switching sides between Athens and Sparta throughout the war. He had a colorful personality and was a lover of Socrates.

Thrasybulus

An Athenian general who helped resist an oligarchic coup and was elected by pro-democracy Athenian sailors at Samos.

Lysander

A Spartan naval commander who laid siege to Athens, ultimately ending the war and resulting in Spartan victory.

Socrates

Prior to his philosopher identity, Socrates served in the Peloponnesian War and was highly-decorated. Known as the "father of Western philosophy" and a lover of Alcibiades.

Thucydides

Author of The Peloponnesian War, considered one of the world's first true historians. Known for his ideas about power pursuit and lack of morality in international conflict.

Xenophon

Athenian military leader and historian who wrote about the final chapters of the Peloponnesian War, associated with Sparta despite being born in Athens.

Epaminondas

A military commander from Thebes who led it to dominance in ancient Greece, but some believe his actions weakened Greece and paved the way for Alexander the Great.