flourished 5th century BC
Athenian statesman and general.
He was ostracized in 482 BC, probably for opposing Themistocles but was recalled in 480 and helped defeat the Persians at the battles of Salamis and Plataea . In 478 he helped Sparta's eastern allies form the Delian League ; allied with Athens and based on Athenian naval power and the trust Aristides inspired, the league effectively became the Athenian empire.