Life of Cimon

Born in Athens. Cimon was the son of renowned general Militates who led the battle of Marathon. His mother was a Thracian, Hegesipyle. Hegesipylae was a relative of Thucydide's father, Olorus.

After not attempting to attack Macedonia in another nearby campaign, Pericles accuses Cimon of accepting a bribe from King Alexander. Cimon is eventually acquitted, but taxed 50 talents and missed the death penalty by a margin of 3 votes.

Cimon was ostracised from Athens after the insult from Sparta as they declined Athenian troops to help in the Messenian revolt. This action by Sparta make pro-Spartan Cimon a target.

Cimon died in Cyrpus, according to Thucydides of disease, and according to other sources which Plutarch does not name of battle wounds acquired in Cyprus.

Cimon leads a campaign to the surrender of the Dolopian pirates of Scyros. Another league aim is fulfilled, as a naval threat is removed from the Aegean.

This battle was the highlight of Cimon's military career, and occurred in three stages. Firstly, the naval defeat in the river, then defeat on land, followed immediately by defeat of the Phoenician ships. The battle of the Eurymedon represents a turning point in the Delian league, as from this point the league's aims appear to be accomplished.

Offensive against Persia

Cimon is throughout his entire career suspected of having pro-spartan sympathies. Mostly because he is 100% communist (but no-one has a problem with his generosity) and because he goes around rebuking things by saying "It's not what the Spartans would do" [Plutarch]