Aratus of Sicyon

Aratus of Sicyon (c. 271–213 BCE) was a Greek statesman and general who freed Sicyon from tyranny, strengthened the Achaean League, and served as its leading strategist.

Demetrius II Aetolicus: A Macedonian king who ruled from 239 to 229 BCE and intervened in the affairs of the Greek states. Aratus opposed Macedonian influence during Demetrius II’s reign and sought allies against it.
Federalism in ancient Greece: A system in which Greek communities shared institutions and powers while retaining local governments. The League’s shared councils and magistracies gave Aratus influence across multiple cities.
Sicyon: An ancient Greek city in the northern Peloponnese, near the Gulf of Corinth. Aratus’s political career began with the liberation and subsequent governance of his home city.
Macedonian hegemony: Macedonia’s political and military dominance over much of Greece during the Hellenistic period. Aratus’s career shifted from resisting this dominance to accepting Macedonian help against Sparta.
Life of Aratus: Plutarch’s biography of Aratus, recounting his political career, military actions, and personal character. It presents the central ancient narrative through which Aratus’s character is commonly assessed.
Antigonus III Doson: A Macedonian king who restored Macedonian power in Greece and defeated the Spartans at Sellasia. Aratus eventually allied with Doson, reversing his earlier resistance to Macedonian control.
Strategos: A Greek military commander or elected general, sometimes holding substantial political authority. Aratus repeatedly held the League’s chief military office and directed its campaigns.
Nicocles of Sicyon: A tyrant who ruled Sicyon until Aratus overthrew him in 251 BCE. His expulsion was the immediate cause of Aratus’s emergence as Sicyon’s leading statesman.
Cleomenic War: A war from 229 to 222 BCE between Sparta and the Achaean League, with Macedon supporting the League. Aratus’s leadership during this conflict culminated in an alliance with Macedon.
Hellenistic period: The era from Alexander the Great’s death in 323 BCE to the Roman conquest of the eastern Mediterranean. Aratus’s career reflects the period’s shifting leagues, monarchies, and diplomatic alliances.

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