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. An Athenian, was the colleague of Leon as ambassador from Athens, in B. C. 367, to the Persian court. [LEO, No. 6.] In this mission he spent four years, and had the address to adapt his conduct to what he perceived to be the king's inclination, separating himself altogether from Leon, and taking part with Pelopidas, the Theban envoy. His supple compliance and his treachery in revealing state-secrets purchased for him the bounty of Artaxerxes, but on his return home he was impeached by Leon, and put to death. (Xen. Hell. 7.1. §§ 33, &c.; Plut. Art. 22, Pelop. 30 ; Demosth. de Fals. Leg. pp. 383, 400; Ath. ii. p. 48d, e; V. Max. 6.3, ext. 2.) Athenaeus (l.c.) speaks of a Cretan, called Timagoras, who also enjoyed the Persian king's favour and was a distinct person from the Athenian of the same name. See, however, Casaub. ad loc.