Aratus of Sicyon
Greek politician
Years: 271BCE - 213BCE
Aratus (271 BCE – 213 BCE) is a statesman of the ancient Greek city-state of Sicyon and a leader of the Achaean League.
He deposes the Sicyonian tyrant Nicocles in 251 BCE.
Aratus is an advocate of Greek unity and brings Sicyon into the Achaean League, which he leads to its maximum extent.
He is elected strategos numerous times and leads the Achaeans against Macedonia, the Aetolians and the Spartans.
After the Spartans defeat and nearly destroy the cities of the Achaean League, he requests Antigonus Doson of Macedo to help fight against the Aetolians and Spartans.
After Antigonus dies in 222 BCE, Aratus does not get along with Philip V of Macedon, who wants to make the Achaean League subject to Macedonia.
Polybius and Plutarch record that Philip had Aratus poisoned.
