Life of Cimon

This short life of the Athenian general Cimon comes from the surviving book of Cornelius Nepos' On Famous Men, the one on foreign generals. Nepos (about 110 to 24 BC) wrote for Roman readers who knew little Greek history, choosing anecdotes that bring out character.

Cimon was the son of Miltiades, victor of Marathon, who died in prison unable to pay a fine of fifty talents. Nepos tells how the young Cimon, held in prison until the debt was paid, was freed when the wealthy Callias paid it in return for marriage to Cimon's sister Elpinice. Cimon became one of Athens' leading generals: he won a double victory by land and sea at the river Eurymedon in about 466 BC, subdued islands and cities of the Aegean, and recovered the bones of the hero Theseus from Scyros. Envy and the votes of the people brought about his ostracism, but he was recalled after a few years when Athens needed him to make peace with Sparta, and he died on campaign in Cyprus. Nepos closes with his generosity: his orchards and gardens were open to all, his servants carried money to give to the poor, and he dined with anyone in need.

The life is brief, plain and admiring, and its Latin is among the easiest in classical prose. It pairs well with the lives of Miltiades and Themistocles.