Callias II

Callias (c. 500 BC; † 432 BC at Nea Potidea ) was an Athenian statesman and diplomat from the rich priestly family of Kerykes. To distinguish him from his grandfather ( Callias I. ) and his grandson ( Callias III. ) It is also called Callias II.

He was the son of Hipponicus and was considered the richest Athenians of his time. He was married to Cimon's sister Elpinice. His son was named as his father Hipponicus, his grandchildren were his son Callias and his daughter Hipparete (wife of Alcibiades ).

He supported the democratic aspirations of Pericles and was in accordance with the Constitution of Athens involved in various public offices and duties.

He was 456/5 leading Archon of Athens. He was a major player in the regulations of the finances of the city ( with Bills 434 and 433 ). As a young man, he distinguished himself, like his grandfather, as an Olympic athlete and brave soldier, and later as a strategist and military leader; last 432 at Nea Potidea where he fell.

He closed by 450 on behalf Athens - after the intended aims military could not be reached - a peace agreement with the Persian King Artaxerxes I, in the research, however, is highly controversial. With this so-called Kalliasfrieden, which was adhered to the rest of the century, the Athenians were content unsatisfied. Therefore, they condemned for treason Callias to pay a fine of 50 talents, which corresponded to approximately one- quarter of its former assets. In addition, Callias was responsible in the peace negotiations with Sparta involved. Furthermore, in which Plato ascribed dialogue Alcibiades I ( 119a ) reported Callias had let himself be informed by the philosopher Zeno.

Swell

• Herodotus: Histories. Reclam, Stuttgart 2005, ISBN 3-15-018222-0
• Plato: Complete Works in ten volumes. Insel-Verlag, Frankfurt am Main 2000 1 - ion. Protagoras, Apology, Crito, Laches, Lyses, Charmides. ISBN 3-458-33101-8