Nicias

Nicias opposed the aggressive policies of Cleon during the Battle of Pylos. When Cleon boasted he could capture the Spartan garrison, Nicias offered him the command. Cleon succeeded, boosting his popularity and undermining Nicias' position as a moderate leader.

Nicias negotiated a peace treaty with Sparta, ending the first phase of the Peloponnesian War. The treaty established a 50-year alliance between Athens and Sparta, but it was fragile and broke down within a few years. Nicias was the leading advocate for peace in Athens.

Nicias was appointed co-commander of the Athenian expedition to Sicily, despite his strong opposition to the campaign. He led the siege of Syracuse but was indecisive and failed to press advantages. The expedition became a disaster, with the entire Athenian force destroyed.

After the Athenian defeat at Syracuse, Nicias surrendered to the Syracusans. Despite his attempts to negotiate, he was executed by the Syracusans, along with his fellow commander Demosthenes. His death marked the end of the Sicilian Expedition and a major blow to Athens.