Cimon

Question 1

Who was Cimon?

Answer 1

An Athenian statesman and general in the early classical period.

Question 2

Who was Cimon’s famous father?

Answer 2

Miltiades, hero of the Battle of Marathon. Mul-tee-AY-deez

Question 3

What major military force did Cimon strengthen?

Answer 3

The Athenian navy.

Question 4

What league did Cimon help lead and expand?

Answer 4

The Delian League. DEH-lee-uhn

Question 5

What was Cimon’s biggest military victory?

Answer 5

The Battle of the Eurymedon River. yoo-RIM-uh-din

Question 6

What happened at the Eurymedon River?

Answer 6

Cimon won a double victory—by sea and land—against the Persians.

Question 7

Why was Cimon popular with ordinary Athenians?

Answer 7

He was generous, fed the poor, and opened his estate to citizens.

Question 8

Was Cimon pro-Sparta or anti-Sparta?

Answer 8

Pro-Sparta.

Question 9

Why was being pro-Sparta a problem for him?

Answer 9

Most Athenians distrusted Sparta and preferred a democratic, anti-oligarchic direction.

Question 10

What event led to Cimon’s political downfall?

Answer 10

Athens sent troops to help Sparta after an earthquake, but Sparta insulted them by sending them home. Athenians blamed Cimon.

Question 11

What happened to Cimon after the Spartan insult?

Answer 11

He was ostracized (exiled for 10 years).

Question 12

Who replaced Cimon as the dominant political leader?

Answer 12

Pericles.

Question 13

Did Cimon ever return from exile?

Answer 13

Yes.

Question 14

What did Cimon negotiate after returning?

Answer 14

A five-year peace with Sparta.

Question 15

Where did Cimon die?

Answer 15

On campaign in Cyprus.

Question 16

Summarize Cimon in one sentence.

Answer 16

Cimon was a powerful Athenian general who built the navy and empire but fell from power because he admired Sparta.