Aristides was an ancient Greek statesman. He died in 468 BC at an advanced age. For his strict integrity he was surnamed the Just. He was one of the ten generals of the Athenians when they fought with the Persians at Marathon, in 490 BC. Next year he was eponymous archon, and in this office enjoyed such popularity that he excited the jealousy of Themistocles, who succeeded in procuring his banishment by the ostracism (about 483). Three years after, when Xerxes invaded Greece with a large army, the Athenians hastened to recall him, and Themistocles now admitted him to his confidence and councils. In the battle of Plataea in 479 he commanded the Athenians, and had a great share in gaining the victory. To defray the expenses of the Persian war he persuaded the Greeks to impose a tax, which should be paid into the hands of an officer appointed by the states collectively, and deposited at Delos. The confidence which was felt in his integrity appeared in their intrusting him with the office of apportioning the contribution. When he died he was so poor that he was buried at the public expense. Research Aristides
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Research Aristides