Aspasia

Aspasia, (470?–410 B.C.), the mistress of Pericles, ruler of Athens. She was noted for her beauty and wit.

Damocles

Damocles (fourth century B.C.), a courtier of Dionysius the Elder, tyrant of Syracuse, Sicily.

Damon and Pythias

Damon, and Pythias, ( or, more correctly, Phintias), citizens of Syracuse, Sicily, in the fourth century B.C.

Demosthenes

Demosthenes (384?–322 B.C.), the greatest of Greek orators. The “Philippics,” his speeches against Philip of Macedon, are among the finest examples of his oratory.

Herodotus

Herodotus (485 B.C.?–425 B.C.), a Greek historian, called “the father of history.” His Historyis the first historical narrative and first great prose work of Greek literature.

Olympias

Olympias (?–316 B.C.), wife of Philip II of Macedon and mother of Alexander the Great.

Polybius

Polybius (204?–;122? B.C.), a Greek historian. Of the 40 books making up his history of Rome, only 5 complete books and fragments of others survive.

Theocritus

Theocritus, a Greek poet of the third century B.C. He is credited with inventing the pastoral, a literary composition concerning country life.

Thucydides

Thucydides, (460?–;400? B.C.), an Athenian general and historian. He is known for his History of the Peloponnesian War.This account of the struggle (431–404 B.C.) between Athens and Sparta and their respective allies has won him the title “father of scientific history.” His emphasis on accuracy and his impartial attitude in reporting events and drawing conclusions marked a new approach to the writing of history.

Xenophon

Xenophon, (434?–354 B.C.), a Greek historian, essayist, and soldier. He was born of a wealthy family in or near Athens, and became a pupil of Socrates.