Hadrian Skellig’s Reviews > The Rise and Fall of Athens: Nine Greek Lives > Status Update
Hadrian Skellig
is on page 135 of 320
Themistocles. He through pure ambition grew to power in Athens from small beginnings and led Greece to defeat the strongest empire in the world: Persia. After his achievements he was exiled for the reason that he had become too great, so he then befriended the king of Persia and retired in Asia. When the king asked him to lead Persia against Greece, he chose instead to drink poison. 50% persuasion, 50% power of will.
— Feb 10, 2025 04:50PM
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Hadrian Skellig
is on page 310 of 320
Alcibiades. A student of Socrates, he weaponized his charm, wit, and good looks to reignite war with Sparta for the sake of his own glory. A highly controversial character, he perfected the art of the turncoat flipping from Athens to Sparta to Persia back to Athens and then finally dying flipping back to Persia. Not a fan, although he was undeniably quite a specimen. 50% hedonist narcissistic warlord, 50% chameleon.
— Mar 16, 2025 09:23PM
Hadrian Skellig
is on page 300 of 320
Nicias. Cautious, wise, and rich, he was elevated to the role of leader in Athens after the death of Pericles. He brilliantly only ever claimed enough glory in his victories to make people admire but not envy him. After being assigned general in the Athenian invasion of Syracuse, although he advised them against the war, he clung to hope and loyally served his men until his death. 60% peacemaker, 40% superstitionist.
— Mar 16, 2025 01:47PM
Hadrian Skellig
is on page 275 of 320
Pericles. Destined for greatness, he lived his early years in Cimon's shadow as a respected and able soldier before ascending the political ladder. After strategically removing Thucydides and his other rivals from the spotlight, he led Athens into an age of artistic, militaristic, and economic splendor. His caution and persuasion saved his city from many dooms and confounded his enemies. 70% orator, 30% tactician.
— Mar 07, 2025 09:44PM
Hadrian Skellig
is on page 225 of 320
Cimon. Like his father Miltiades who led the Athenians at Marathon, he was a real thorn in the Persian king's side. He lived a Spartan lifestyle but guided Athens on a path to naval superiority and brokered a peace agreement between Greece and Persia via pure grit. For his troubles as an unbribable and just magistrate he was ostracized, but returned and strengthened his city until he died. 70% commander, 30% wiseman.
— Feb 20, 2025 08:06PM
Hadrian Skellig
is on page 189 of 320
Aristides the Just. Many men who come to power do so to reap the wealth and reputation associated with it, less forgo some money to gain more popularity for doing so, but fewest of all are those who yearn for neither pay nor pride and only seek to do what is right: this is the type of man Aristides was. In all he did as archon of Athens and throughout his life, he always prioritized justice over gain. 100% good man.
— Feb 13, 2025 08:21PM
Hadrian Skellig
is on page 91 of 320
Solon. A statesman and sage, he reformed many laws that had governed Athens for years. As archon he denied the offer to become tyrant and insisted on following even the strictest of his new laws himself. One day he had enough of his office and left home to travel the world. He took an interest in Atlantis before returning home to civil war. He finally became advisor to the new tyrant. 70% stoic lawgiver, 30% poet.
— Feb 03, 2025 08:14PM
Hadrian Skellig
is on page 43 of 320
Theseus. He was the cousin of Hercules, and like him purged the Greek countryside of all evil, slew the Minotaur, founded Athens as their king and established democracy. He also warred the Amazons and was a bit of a serial rapist. Not cool. Eventually he lost his power and good repute, then died an inglorious and treacherous death falling off the side of a cliff. I say he was 50% awesome, 50% creepy jerk.
— Jan 19, 2025 02:10PM
