Statesman Cleon

Cleon
Athens
Statesman, General
???? – 422 BC

Background
        Cleon was the political rival of Pericles. A well-known statesman and key leader in Athenian democracy, he was a nobleman from the Alcmeonids family. However, despised by Thucydides, he is said to have been overly violent and not fitting of the “noble” title.

Peloponnesian War Contribution
       Cleon replaced Pericles when he died from the Plague of Athens, 429 BC. Immediately Athens would go on the offensive under Cleon’s leadership and win two back-to-back naval battles. However, the island of Lesbos would soon revolt and Thebes would attack Plataea. Shortly after, Athens would win a major victory over Sparta at the Battle of Sphacteria.