Download Cimon role in the Delian League

Cimon role in the Delian League
An Athenian statesman and general, was the son of Miltiades, the hero of Marathon who died in
disgrace, leaving unpaid the fine imposed upon him for his conduct at Paros. Cimon's first task in life,
therefore, was to remove the stain on the family name by paying this fine.
The Persian danger was now over, and the immediate purpose of the Delian League was achieved.
Already, however, Athens had introduced the policy of coercion which was to transform the league
into an empire, a policy which, after the ostracism of Themistocles and the death of Aristides, must
be attributed to Cimon, whose fundamental idea was the union of the Greeks against all outsiders.
In 464 Sparta was involved in war with her Helots and was in great difficulties. Cimon, then the most
prominent man in Athens, persuaded the Athenians to send assistance, on the ground that Athens
could not "stand without her yoke-fellow" and leave "Hellas lame." The expedition was a failure, and
Cimon was exposed to the attacks of the democrats led by Ephialtes and was ostracized in 461. He
was recalled some years later in order to negotiate a peace treaty with Sparta. Cimon continued to
carry on naval operations against Persia. He died in about 450 B.C. while besieging Citium, while
trying to liberate the island of Cyprus from Persian control.
Key events during the life of Cimon
489 BC
480 BC
Death of Miltiades, father of Cimon.
Cimon distinguished himself at the Battle of
Salamis. With Aristides, established the Delian
League.
470 BC
Great victory over Persians at Eurymedon River;
drove Persia out of Thrace.
466 BC
Liberated cities of Lycia and Pamphylia from
Persian yoke.
464 BC
Led a force from Athens to the aid of Sparta
during Helot revolt, but was rebuffed by Sparta.
461 BC
Exiled from Athens for pursuing pro-Spartan
policies.
455 BC
Returned from Exile to negotiate peace treaty
with Sparta.
450 BC
Died while besieging Citium on the island of
Cyprus.