Aristides

(a-ris-tī´dēz), a statesman of ancient Greece, for his strict integrity surnamed the Just . He was one of the ten generals of the A then i ans when they fought with the Persians at Marathon, 490 B.C. Next year he was eponymous archon, and in this office enjoyed such popularity that he excited the jealousy of Them is toc les, who succeeded in procuring his banishment by ostracism (about 483). Three years after, when Xerxes invaded Greece with a large army, the A then i ans hastened to recall him, and Them is toc les now admitted him to his confidence and councils. In the battle of Platæa (479) he commanded the A then i ans, and had a great share in gaining the victory. To defray the expenses of the Persian war he persuaded the Greeks to impose a tax, which should be paid into the hands of an officer appointed by the States collectively, and deposited at Delos. The confidence which was felt in his integrity appeared in their entrusting him with the office of apportioning the contribution. He died at an advanced age about 468 B.C. , so poor that he was buried at the public expense.