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Definition: Alcibiades from Collins English Dictionary

n

1 450–404 bc, Athenian statesman and general in the Peloponnesian War: brilliant, courageous, and unstable, he defected to the Spartans in 415, but returned and led the Athenian victories at Abydos (411) and Cyzicus (410)

› ˌAlciˌbiaˈdean adj


Alcibiades

From The Columbia Encyclopedia
(ălsĭbī'Әdēz), c.450–404 B.C. , Athenian statesman and general. Of the family of Alcmaeonidae, he was a ward of Pericles and was for many years a devoted attendant of Socrates. He turned to politics after the Peace of Nicias (421 B.C. ), and during the Peloponnesian War he was the leader in agitating against Sparta. He was so successful that Athens joined an alliance against Sparta. When Sparta attacked (418 B.C. ) Argos, Alcibiades led an Athenian force to help the Argives, but Athens and the allies were beaten at Mantinea. He was (415 B.C. ) the chief promoter of the Sicilian campaign and was one of the three leaders (with Nicias and Lamachus) of the Athenian forces. When the forces reached Sicily, he proposed an attempt to win allies rather than attacking the hostile cities of Selinus and Syracuse at once. Nicias carried out this policy to ultimate disaster. Alcibiades had meanwhile been summoned home to stand trial for the mutilation of the statues of Hermes, a crime of which he…
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From Chambers Dictionary of Literary Characters
An Athenian captain, Alcibiades represents a clear-sighted, practical outlook upon life in contrast to Timon of Athens 's myopic idealism. Less socially able than Timon, he has considerably more judgement of character. Yet, when his appeal to the Senate for the pardon of a friend is rejected, …
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Full text Article Alcibiades

From Encyclopedia of the Ancient Greek World
Also known as: Alkibiades (b. ca. 450–d. 404 BCE ) Athenian general and politician Alcibiades strongly influenced the last 15 years of the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta. The mercurial Alcibiades embodied the confident Athenian spirit of the day. Although brilliant as a leader in…
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Also known as: Alkibiades (b. ca. 450–d. 404 BCE ) Athenian general and politician Alcibiades was an Athenian who was influential in the creation of turmoil in his home city that went a long way to explaining the defeat by Sparta in the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE ). Alcibiades was a…
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From Britannica Concise Encyclopedia
(born c. 450 bc , Athens—died 404, Phrygia) Athenian politician and commander. Pericles was his guardian, his father having died in battle. Alcibiades grew up without much guidance, but as a youth he was drawn to Socrates ’ moral strength and keen mind. Socrates, in turn, was attracted to the…
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Full text Article Alcibiades

From Chambers Biographical Dictionary
c.450-404 BC Athenian statesman, a member of the powerful Alcmaeonid family After the death of his father Clinias in 447 BC , Alcibiades was brought up in the house of Pericles . Socrates also exercised a considerable influence over him. Alcibiades was the principal mover in sending an expedition…
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Full text Article Alcibiades

From The Columbia Encyclopedia
(ălsĭbī'Әdēz), c.450–404 B.C. , Athenian statesman and general. Of the family of Alcmaeonidae, he was a ward of Pericles and was for many years a devoted attendant of Socrates. He turned to politics after the Peace of Nicias (421 B.C. ), and during the Peloponnesian War he was the leader in…
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Full text Article Alcibiades (451/0–404/3 BC)

From The Hutchinson Unabridged Encyclopedia with Atlas and Weather Guide
Athenian politician and general during the Peloponnesian War. In 415 BC Alcibiades was appointed one of the commanders of an Athenian expedition against Sicily, but was recalled to answer charges of sacrilege and fled to Sparta. Further scandal led to his flight to Persia, but he rehabilitated…
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Full text Article Alcibiades (451/0–404/3 bc)

From The Oxford Companion to Classical Civilization
son of Cleinias, Athenian general and politician. Brought up in the household of his guardian *Pericles , he became the pupil and intimate friend of *Socrates . A flamboyant aristocrat, he competed in politics with the new-style demagogues, and his ambitious imperialism drew Athens into a coalition…
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Full text Article ALCIBIADES

From A Dictionary of Classical Greek Quotations
c .450-404BC Athenian general and politician see also Plato 325-326; Eupolis 1; Thucydides 138. 1 εύηθες είναι τόν δίκην έχοντα ζητείν άποφυγείν, έξόν φυγείν It is foolish for a man facing indictment to try to be acquitted when he can flee the country. Plutarch, Sayings of Kings and Commanders 186e…
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Full text Article Alcibiades

From Merriam-Webster's Collegiate(R) Dictionary Full text Article Biographical Names
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