A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

Smith, William

A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology. William Smith, LLD, ed. 1890

4. An Acarnanian, a friend and flatterer of the contemptible Agathocles, who for a time had the government of Egypt in the name of the young king Ptolemy V. (Euergetes.) During the administration of Agathocles Aristomenes was all-pow-erful, and when the insurrection against Agathocles broke out in B. C. 205, Aristomenes was the only one among his friends who ventured to go and try to pacify the rebellious Macedonians. But this attempt was useless, and Aristomenes himself narrowly escaped being murdered by the insurgents. After Agathocles was put to death, Tlepolemus, who had headed the insurrection, was appointed regent. But about B. C. 202, Aristomenes contrived to get the regency and distinguished himself now by the energy and wisdom of his administration no less than previously by his faithfulness to Agathocles. Scopas and Dicaearchus, two powerful men, who ventured to oppose his government, were put to death by his command. Towards the young king, Aristomenes was a frank, open, and sincere councillor; but as the king grew up to manhood, he became less and less able to bear the sincerity of Aristomenes, who was at last condemned to death, in B. C. 192. (Plb. 15.31, 18.36, &c.; Diod. Excerpt. lib. xxix., de Virt. et Vit. p. 573; Plut. de Discern. Adulat. 32.)

[L.S]