Aratus

Aratus OF SICYON, a distinguished Greek statesman, was born about 271 B.C. He liberated Sicyon from its tyrant, Nicocles, in 251, and united it with the Achaian League, of which he was appointed general in 245. Under him the league grew in influence. His great object was to unite the Greek states, and form out of them an independent nation; but this was thwarted by their mutual jealousies and wars. The league ultimately fell under the power of Macedonia. Aratus was a brave general, a skilful tactician, and a disinterested patriot. According to Plutarch, he was poisoned in 213 by command of Philip III. of Macedon.