Aristides the Just vs Camillus

Aristides served as one of the ten Athenian generals at Marathon. He commanded his tribe's contingent and later supported Miltiades' strategy. The Athenian victory repelled the first Persian invasion of Greece.

Aristides was ostracized from Athens, reportedly because his reputation for justice made him unpopular. According to tradition, an illiterate citizen voted for his ostracism because he was tired of hearing Aristides called 'the Just'.

Aristides returned from exile to serve at Salamis. He led Athenian forces in capturing the island of Psyttaleia, eliminating a Persian garrison. The naval victory at Salamis was decisive in the Greco-Persian Wars.

Aristides was appointed to assess the initial contributions of member states to the Delian League, the anti-Persian alliance led by Athens. His fair assessment earned him the trust of the allies and established the League's financial structure.

Camillus, as dictator, captured the Etruscan city of Veii after a ten-year siege. This victory expanded Roman territory and brought wealth to Rome, establishing Camillus as a leading general.

Camillus was exiled from Rome after being accused of misappropriating spoils from Veii. He was later recalled during the Gallic crisis, demonstrating the Romans' reliance on his military skill despite political conflicts.

Camillus was in exile when the Gauls defeated the Roman army at the Allia and sacked Rome. He was recalled and appointed dictator to lead the defense, eventually negotiating the Gauls' withdrawal.

After the Gallic sack, Camillus oversaw the rebuilding of Rome, including the reconstruction of temples and fortifications. He also reformed the military, introducing the manipular legion system.

Camillus led campaigns against the Volsci and Aequi tribes, defeating them and securing Roman dominance in central Italy. These victories expanded Roman territory and reduced external threats.