Cleon
(
? - 422 BC)
Most unpopular
by the writers of his time, Cleon has been portrayed as a violent general
and grim political leader in Athens.
Fiercly satirized by Aristophanes, he was responsible for the expulsion of
Thycydides, and he is said to have insisted on the execution of the people
of Mytilene after their revolt.
Cleon did win glorious victories over the Spartans though, and he was in favour
with Pericles after exposing the fact that Athen's funds were being
maladministrated.
Cleon was killed in the battle of Amphipolis against the Spartans, where their
leader Brasidas was also killed.
