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Lysicles

450 BC – 428 BC

Athenian politician and general (died 428 BC)

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About Lysicles

Lived 450 BC – 428 BC (aged 21–22). Lysicles was a Greek politician and military personnel.

Lysicles ( Lysikles; died 428 BC) was an Athenian general and leader of the democratic faction in the city. He lived during the fifth century BC and possibly was a friend of Pericles.

According to Aeschines Socraticus, Lysicles lived with Aspasia after Pericles's death and had a son with her. Aeschines Socraticus is said to have credited Aspasia with all of Lysicles's political success. During the Peloponnesian War Lysicles was one of the "hawks"; he was convinced that the war against Sparta, which could not conceal its envy of Athens' pre-eminence, was inevitable if not to be welcomed. Aristophanes taunts him and calls him a "dealer in sheep".

Lysicles was killed in action in 428 BC. The Athenians sent out twelve ships to levy subsidies from their allies, with Lysicles and four others in command. After cruising to different places and laying them under contribution, Lysicles went up the country across the plain of Meander, in Caria. Being attacked by the Carians, he was slain with many of his soldiers.

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Important facts

Born
450 BC, Athens
Birth century
Died
428 BC
Nationality
Positions held
Strategos

People in Lysicles's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Lysicles's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Lysicles?

Athenian politician and general (died 428 BC)

When was Lysicles born?

Lysicles was born in 450 BC in Athens.

When did Lysicles die?

Lysicles died in 428 BC.

What was Lysicles's occupation?

Lysicles was a politician and military personnel.

What nationality was Lysicles?

Lysicles was Greek.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Lysicles

· Wikidata: Q793862

· DBpedia: Lysicles (5th century BC)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Lysicles. https://biography.guide/lysicles/

MLA: "Lysicles." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/lysicles/.

Chicago: "Lysicles." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/lysicles/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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