# Aristides — Histories character guide

> Aristides in Histories by Herodotus.

**Role:** supporting

**Also known as:** Egina Aristeides

**First appearance:** 0009-book-viii-urania

## Snapshot

Athenian general whose reputation for integrity makes him a moral counterweight to the improvisations and self-interest of other commanders.

## Who they are

Aristides moves through the Persian Wars as the upright Athenian, trusted where Themistocles is suspected and respected where others are feared. His presence at Salamis and Plataea gives the Greek coalition a figure whose probity can be invoked to hold wavering allies in line. He matters because Herodotus uses him to show that Greek victory depended not only on cunning and bribery but also on the occasional commander whose word could be relied upon.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/aristides
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters