# Cleon

> Athenian statesman and general (died 422 BC)

**Wikidata**: [Q298220](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q298220)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cleon)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cleon

## Summary
Cleon was an Athenian statesman and general who played a pivotal role during the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE). Known for his leadership in Classical Athens, he died in 422 BC at the Battle of Amphipolis, a key conflict between Athens and Sparta.

## Biography
- **Born**: c. 500 BC (exact date unknown), Classical Athens
- **Nationality**: Athenian (Classical Athens)
- **Education**: No data available
- **Known for**: Leadership as a statesman and general during the Peloponnesian War
- **Employer(s)**: City-state of Athens (government and military)
- **Field(s)**: Politics, military strategy

## Contributions
Cleon was a prominent figure in Athenian politics and military campaigns during the Peloponnesian War. His leadership at the **Battle of Amphipolis (422 BCE)** marked a critical moment in the conflict, though it resulted in his death. As a statesman, he influenced Athenian policy and strategy against Sparta, shaping the course of the war.

## FAQs
**Who was Cleon?**
Cleon was an Athenian statesman and general who served during the Peloponnesian War, a major conflict between Athens and Sparta.

**What was Cleon’s role in the Peloponnesian War?**
He was a key military leader and politician, participating in battles like the **Battle of Amphipolis (422 BCE)**, where he died.

**Where was Cleon from?**
He was a citizen of **Classical Athens**, a powerful city-state in ancient Greece.

**What is Cleon best known for?**
His leadership in the Peloponnesian War and his death at the **Battle of Amphipolis**, a significant engagement in the conflict.

## Why They Matter
Cleon’s leadership during the Peloponnesian War influenced Athenian military and political strategies. His death at the **Battle of Amphipolis** marked a turning point in the war, affecting Athens’ ability to counter Sparta. His role as a statesman and general highlights the intersection of politics and warfare in Classical Athens.

## Notable For
- Athenian statesman and general during the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE)
- Died at the **Battle of Amphipolis (422 BCE)**
- Key figure in Classical Athens’ military and political leadership

## Body
### Early Life and Background
Cleon was born around **500 BC** in **Classical Athens**, a dominant city-state in ancient Greece. Little is known about his early life or education, but he emerged as a significant political and military figure during the **Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE)**.

### Political and Military Career
Cleon served as both a **statesman** and **general** in Athens. His leadership was closely tied to the **Peloponnesian War**, where he played a role in shaping Athenian strategy against Sparta. His most notable military engagement was the **Battle of Amphipolis (422 BCE)**, where he died in combat.

### Death and Legacy
Cleon’s death at the **Battle of Amphipolis** was a pivotal moment in the Peloponnesian War. His leadership and policies influenced Athenian governance and military tactics during the conflict. As a historical figure, he represents the intersection of political and military power in Classical Athens.

### Connections to Key Events
- **Peloponnesian War (431–404 BCE)**: A defining conflict between Athens and Sparta, where Cleon was a key leader.
- **Battle of Amphipolis (422 BCE)**: A military engagement where Cleon died, marking a significant loss for Athens.

### Identifiers and References
Cleon is referenced in multiple historical and academic sources, including:
- **Wikidata ID**: Q1812877
- **Library of Congress Authority ID**: n87873232
- **Virtual International Authority File (VIAF)**: 1943159474199127661109
- **GND ID**: 118858742
- **SUDOC ID**: 0018201
- **BNF ID**: 143450824
- **Freebase ID**: /m/01hncz

His legacy endures in historical accounts of Classical Athens and the Peloponnesian War.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Source
3. Q45198083
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. CERL Thesaurus
6. Library of Congress Control Number
7. [Prosopographia Attica](http://www.archive.org/stream/prosopographiaa00kircgoog#page/n601/mode/2up)
8. Treccani's Enciclopedia on line
9. Enciclopedia Treccani
10. Dizionario di Storia