Cimon, << KY mohn or SY muhn >> (507?-450 or 449 B.C.), was a military and political leader in ancient Athens. In 478 and 477 B.C., he helped form the Delian League of Greek city-states to wage war against Persia. During most of the 470’s and 460’s B.C., Cimon commanded the league’s Athenian forces. Cimon also led the aristocrats in Athens. In 461 B.C., a quarrel between Athens and Sparta led democratic leaders in Athens to banish Cimon because he favored friendly relations with the Spartans. Cimon probably returned to Athens in 451 B.C. That year, he arranged a truce between the two city-states.
