Cimon

Cimon, died 449 B.C., son of Miltiades (q.v.), was born at Athens. He was imprisoned, through inability to pay a fine levied upon his father, until his brother-in-law paid it and released him. The struggle between Athens and Persia was then going on, and young Cimon, in conjunction with Aristides, who had taken him under his charge, was put in command of the Athenian squadron of the allied fleet under the Spartan Admiral Pausanias. Cimon captured a Persian garrison, and in 466 he almost annihilated a Persian fleet, and on the same day gained a land victory. He also drove the Persians out of Thrace and a great part of Asia Minor. He had now great influence at Athens, and his great bounty and lavish expenditure made him very popular. Later he led an army to the aid of the Spartans during the revolt of their serfs, but it was dismissed by them through want of confidence. On his return to Athens Pericles and the democratic party attacked him, and secured his banishment. After four years of exile he was recalled, and again took part in public affairs. He died during the siege of Citium, in Cyprus, held by the Persians; the "peace of Cimon," concluded shortly after his death, excluded Persian vessels from the AEgean.