flourished 5th century BC
Mistress of Pericles and a vivid figure in Athenian society.
Originally from Miletus, she lived with Pericles from 0441; 445 BC until his death in 429. Because she was not a citizen, their son was initially denied civic rights. Though an intellectual admired by Socrates , she endured public attacks, especially in comic theatre, for her private life and her supposed influence on Pericles' foreign policy.