Cleon

Cleon (/ˈkliːɒn, -ən/; Ancient Greek: Κλέων Κλεαινέτου Κυδαθηναιεύς (Kleon Kleinetou Kydathinaeis), Ancient Greek: [kléɔːn kle.ai̯.nétuː kyːda.tʰɛːnai̯.ěu̯s]; died 422 BC) was an Athenian general during the Peloponnesian War. He was an early representative of the commercial class^[1] in Athenian politics; which during the early Peloponnesian war was coming into prominence^[1] – although he was an aristocrat himself. He strongly advocated for an offensive war strategy and is remembered for being ruthless^[1] in carrying out his policies. He was often depicted in a negative way, predominantly by Thucydides and the comedic playwright Aristophanes, who both represent him as an unscrupulous, warmongering demagogue. Cleon was the son of Cleaenetus.^[2]