Xanthippus (father of Pericles)
Xanthippus | |
|---|---|
Ξάνθιππος | |
| Born | c. 525 BC Athens, Greece |
| Died | c. 475 BC (aged c. 50) |
| Spouse | Agariste |
| Children | Pericles |
| Relatives | Ariphron (father) |
| Military career | |
| Allegiance | Athens |
Service years | 490 – 479 BC |
Rank | Strategos |
Conflicts | |
Xanthippus (/zænˈθɪpəs/ ⓘ; Greek: Ξάνθιππος, pronounced [ksán.tʰip.pos]; c. 520 – 475 BC) was a wealthy Athenian politician and general during the Greco-Persian Wars. He was the son of Ariphron and father of Pericles, both prominent Athenian statesmen. A marriage to Agariste, niece of Cleisthenes, linked Xanthippus with the Alcmaeonid clan, whose aristocratic interests he often represented in government. He was ostracized in 484 BC, likely arising from his rivalry with Themistocles, but he was recalled from exile when the Persians invaded Greece. He commanded the Athenian fleets in the Battle of Mycale and the Siege of Sestos. It is possible that he participated in the Battle of Marathon and Battle of Salamis.