Source edition
Cornelius Nepos. Cornelii Nepotis Vitae. Fleckeisen, Alfred; Halm, Karl, editors. Leipzig: Teubner, 1886.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA (per Perseus's terms)
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This biographical work depicts the life and achievements of Thrasybulus, the Athenian general who liberated Athens from the tyranny of the Thirty Tyrants. The author begins by praising Thrasybulus as one of the greatest generals, highlighting his immortal virtues and deeds. The narrative follows his rebellion, starting with the seizure of the fortress of Phyle with only a few supporters, and his clever expansion of forces by exploiting the tyrants' complacency, culminating in the defeat of their leader Critias. Following the peace mediated by the Spartan king Pausanias, democracy is restored in Athens. To heal the divided city, Thrasybulus enacts a law of amnesty ("law of oblivion") to pardon past offenses and strictly enforces it. Although honored with a simple olive wreath for his modesty and service, his life ends tragically when he is killed in a night attack during an expedition in Cilicia.