See Also: Aratus of Sicyon(encyclopedia)
Sicyon(encyclopedia)

Aratus of Sicyon (sh)




born 271
died 213 BC

Hellenistic Greek statesman, diplomat, and soldier.

He democratized Sicyon (251) and, as leader of the Achaean League (in alternate years from 245), set up democracies in league cities and helped free Athens from Macedonia (229). Under him, the league opposed Sparta; with Macedonian help, it defeated Aetolia (217). Aratus nevertheless defied the anti-Roman policy of Philip V of Macedonia; his death, popularly linked to Philip, was more likely caused by tuberculosis.