Archedemus of Athens

ArchedemusorArchedamus(Ancient Greek:Άρχέδημοςor Άρχέδαμος) was a popular leader inAthens,who took the first step against the generals who had gained theBattle of Arginusaein 406 BCE, by imposing a fine onErasinides,and calling him to account in a court of justice for some public money which he had received in theHellespont.

This seems to be the same Archedemus of whomXenophonspeaks in theMemorabilia,as originally poor, but of considerable talents both for speaking and detection, and who was employed byCrito of Alopeceto protect him and his friends from the attacks of sycophants. It appears that Archedemus was a foreigner, and obtained the franchise by fraud, for which he was attacked byAristophanes,and byEupolisin his comedyBaptae.

Both AristophanesandLysiascall him "blear-eyed" (Ancient Greek:γλάηων).

Notes

This article incorporates text from a publication now in thepublic domain:Smith, William(1870)."Archedemus".InSmith, William(ed.).Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology.Vol. 1. p. 260.