Aratus

Family: Achaeans · Role: statesman and general · First appears: Philopoemen

As a seven-year-old in Sicyon, Aratus lost his father, Clinias, when Abantidas seized the tyranny, killed Clinias, and began purging his family and friends. Abantidas also sought to kill Aratus, but Soso hid him and sent him by night to Argos. Later, Xenocles employed Seuthas and Technon, while Aratus counted Ecdelus, Nealces, and Timanthes among his friends.

As a statesman and general of the Achaeans, Aratus helped drive Nicocles from Sicyon, and Philopoemen was among those who assisted him. He captured Acro-Corinthus in a night assault with Erginus and Persaeus, and when Lydiades resigned his tyranny and joined the Achaean community, the two later became rivals and enemies in a contest for the generalship. Aristomachus was his longtime friend and abdicated his power at Aratus’s persuasion, while Ecdelus joined him in planning action. Agis joined Aratus near Corinth and submitted to his judgment as the elder, more experienced captain and Achaean general.

When Cleomenes declared war on the Achaeans, Aratus secured approval to call in Antigonus, surrendering Acro-Corinthus for military aid. He had relations of hostility and later friendship with Antigonus, and received support from Ptolemy, who gave money for the relief of his city and offered him a larger pension. Aratus also acted as a mentor and friend to Philip, though Philip later ordered Taurion to poison him; Taurion became intimate with Aratus and gave him a dose. Aratus died at Aegium during his seventeenth generalship.