Thrasybulus

Thrasybulus led a force of exiles from Thebes to defeat the forces of the Thirty Tyrants at Munychia in Piraeus. The victory killed the tyrant Critias and opened the way for the restoration of democracy in Athens.

After the initial victory, Thrasybulus faced a counterattack by the oligarchic forces at Piraeus. He successfully defended the port city, securing the democratic faction's control and forcing the Thirty Tyrants to flee to Eleusis.

Thrasybulus negotiated a general amnesty (the 'Oath of Amnesty') that allowed the return of exiles and the peaceful restoration of democratic institutions. This reconciliation prevented further civil strife and is considered a model of political forgiveness.

Thrasybulus led an Athenian fleet to recover cities in the Aegean and the Hellespont. He restored Athenian influence and collected tribute, but his methods were criticized for being heavy-handed. He was killed in a night attack at Aspendus.