Nikias

Nikias was (b. 470) was an Athenian aristocrat and statemen. He had been instrumental in brining a temporary halt to the Peloponnesian War in 421 BC. A few years later, rising politician Alkibiades helped restart the war, despite Nikias' opposition. Eventually, the two became unlikely allies, and Nikias helped Alkibiades raise the [Sicilian]] Expedition, although both found each other distasteful.

When representatives attempted to arrest Alkibiades early in the expedition, Nikias was astonished when Alkibiades refused to return to Athens and laid siege to Syracuse. Nikias was more astonished when Syracuse fell, and Alkibiades successfully conquered Sparta. While Nikias acknowledged that Alkibiades had called upon the gods to favor these attackes upon their return to Athens, Nikias was appalled by Alkibiades decision to invade the city, and had nothing more to do with him.