Conon

AncientGeneralAthens-444 — -389

Athenian admiral who rebuilt the Long Walls with Persian gold.

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Quick Facts

Born

444 BCE

Died

389 BCE

Country

Athens

Era

Ancient

Occupation

General

Score Overview

Military (10%)62

Political (20%)61

Influence (20%)56

Legacy (20%)50

Leadership (15%)54

Strategy (15%)66

Total Score56.7

Conon — Complete Timeline

394 BC

Battle of CnidusWar◆ Major

Conon, commanding a Persian fleet, defeated the Spartan navy under Peisander near Cnidus. This victory ended Spartan naval dominance in the Aegean and restored Athenian influence. Conon's use of Persian gold was decisive.

Corinthian WarNaval BattlePersian Alliance

Impact: regional

393 BC

Capture of CytheraWar

Conon led an Athenian fleet to capture the island of Cythera off the Spartan coast. This established a forward base for raiding Laconia and demonstrated the renewed naval power of Athens under his command.

Corinthian WarNaval CampaignSparta

Impact: regional

Rebuilding of the Long WallsReform◆ Major

With Persian funding, Conon oversaw the reconstruction of the Long Walls connecting Athens to Piraeus. This restored Athens' defensive capability and economic lifeline, reversing a key outcome of the Peloponnesian War. The project was completed rapidly.

Athenian RestorationFortificationPersian Alliance

Impact: nationalconstructive

389 BC

Imprisonment by PersiansPolitical Action

Conon was sent as an ambassador to the Persian satrap Tiribazus. Suspected of disloyalty to the Persian king, he was imprisoned. He died in captivity, ending his career as a key figure in the Athenian revival.

Persian RelationsImprisonmentDeath

Impact: nationaltragic