Ancient Greece question

[Cinaruco]

I remember reading about this guy, can't recall if it was in the Peloponnesian War, where he worked with the Spartans and the Athenians, and was an enigmatic figure for the Greeks (banished to Persia IIRC). Anyway, I know its a far reach, but any help would be appreciated.

[zaevor2000]

I remember reading about this guy, can't recall if it was in the Peloponnesian War, where he worked with the Spartans and the Athenians, and was an enigmatic figure for the Greeks (banished to Persia IIRC). Anyway, I know its a far reach, but any help would be appreciated.

 

I believe the General you are referring to is Alcibiades (451-404 BC) a General during the Peloponnesian wars who was a native of Athens and guided them to victory. When his political enemies brought charges of sacrilege against him of defacing statues of Hermes, he defected to the Spartans. He led the Spartans to military success against Athens, but then was disgraced when it was rumored he was having an affair with a Spartan queen. He then defected to the Persians, however he orchestrated a return to Athens and resumed his post as an Athenian general. He had success against the Spartans but was eventually defeated which reduced his influence. He was finally assasinated by political enemies.

 

Just a quick overview.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Frank

[Jim Martin]

Actually, he returned to the Athenians, was in command of the Athenian navy and was called away to attend to other business in the pursuit of his duties. He left his subordinate with strict orders to avoid combat with the Spartan fleet. His subordinate then immediately went out and sought a fight with the Spartan fleet. Subordinate defeated, Alcibiades once again declared persona non grata by the morons in the Athenian Assembly.

[Cinaruco]

Thank you all. You just solved me a problem.

[zaevor2000]

Thank you all. You just solved me a problem.

 

You're welcome.

 

What I've got in my collection at home:

Warry,John. Warfare in the Classical World. ISBN 0-8061-2794-5. A very readable intro book and sentimental value since I got it over in Germany at AAFES store back in mid 80s.

Harrison, Victor Davis. The Wars of the Ancient Greeks. (The Cassell History of Warfare series). ISBN 0-304-35222-5. Reads like a thesis. One of the main premises was that Greeks were great warriors since they were farmers used to killing on a daily basis and therefore not squeamish about killing.

Cassin-Scott, Jack. The Greek and Persian Wars 500-323 BC (Osprey Men-at-Arms series). ISBN 0-85045-271-6. You get what you pay for...

Sekunda, Nick. The Spartan Army (Osprey Military Elite Series). ISBN 1-85532-659-0. Ditto

and for the ultimate reference with EVERYTHING you need to know...

Miller, Frank. 300. ISBN 1-56971-402-9. Sorry, I couln't resist.

 

I am sure others in this forum can get you some excellent book suggestions. Some have mentioned Hot Gates and Thermopylae. I haven't really dug that deep enough into this period to consider myself an expert.

 

Frank

[Guest aevans]

Alcibiades is also believed to have rescued Socrates during the retreat from Delium. He was the classical world's equivalent of a young hussar officer with connections, and lived pretty much that lifestyle.