Nicias

Nicias was an ancient Greek mine owner, military leader and statesman who had a prominent role in public life of Athens.

Little is known of his early life except that he was born in Athens as a son of a mining entrepreneur Niceratus. Following his father’s death, Nicias inherited the mines in the Laurium near Athens which were worked by thousand slaves in appalling conditions. The enterprise was extremely valuable and he became one of the wealthiest Athenians. He used his wealth to enhance his political rating and influence.

Since the wealthy people were expected to use their wealth not only for personal benefit, but also for the benefit of the community, Nicias financed, among the other things, the construction of offerings to the gods, choral and gymnastic exhibitions, and gave lavish gifts to the island of Delos.

Although he held numerous military offices, they were safe and not of too daring nature. In 431 BC the Peloponnesian War broke between Athens and Sparta and their numerous allies. In 421 he managed to arrange a fifty-year peace, named the Peace of Nicias, but this treaty had only a temporary effect. In 415 BC Nicias and Alcibiades shared the command in a campaign in Sicily during which Nicias was heavily compromised. In a battle against Syracuse he acted too cautious and was outmaneuvered. Notorious for his religious nature and superstition, in 413 BC he postponed an Athenian retreat for 27 days because of an eclipse of the moon. This decision resulted in surrender of the surviving Athenians, while Nicias was executed.