Nicias | |
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| Native name | Νικίας Νικηράτου Κυδαντίδης |
| Born | c. 470 BC Athens, Greece |
| Died | c. 413 BC (aged 56-57) Syracuse, Sicily |
| Allegiance | Athens |
| Rank | Strategos |
| Known for | Peace of Nicias |
| Battles / wars | |
| Other work | Peace of Nicias |
Nicias (/ˈnɪʃiəs/; Ancient Greek: Νικίας Νικηράτου Κυδαντίδης, romanized: Nikias Nikēratou Kydantidēs; c. 470–413 BC) was an Athenian politician and general during the period of the Peloponnesian War. Nicias was a member of the Athenian aristocracy and had inherited a large fortune from his father, which was invested in the silver mines around Attica's Mt. Laurium. Following the death of Pericles in 429 BC, he became the principal rival of Cleon and the democrats in the struggle for the political leadership of the Athenian state. He was a moderate in his political views and opposed the aggressive imperialism of the democrats. His principal aim was to conclude a peace with Sparta as soon as it could be obtained on terms favourable to Athens.
He was regularly elected to serve as strategos (general) for Athens during the Peloponnesian War. He led several expeditions which achieved little. Nevertheless, he was largely responsible for the successful negotiations which led to the Peace of Nicias in 421 BC.
Following the Peace, he objected to the ambitious plans of Alcibiades. Despite this, Nicias was appointed to participate in the Athenian invasion of Sicily. He died at the Athenian siege of Syracuse.