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

3. A eunuch of Ptolemy Epiphanes, who had been brought up with the king from his early youth. Polybius speaks of him in terms of high praise, as a man of a generous and warlike disposition, and skilled in political transactions. In B. C. 185, when the king had to fight against some discontented Egyptians, Aristonicus went to Greece and engaged a body of mercenaries there. (Plb. 23.16, 17.)