Nicias
Nicias (?–413 B.C.), an Athenian general and statesman. Nicias was leader of the conservative, pro-Spartan party in Athens. He was a general during the Peloponnesian War, a conflict between Athens and Sparta, and in 421 negotiated a peace agreement, which came to be known as the Peace of Nicias.
In 415 Nicias was appointed one of the generals for the expedition against Syracuse in Sicily, although he opposed the campaign. Soon after, he took supreme command. After a two-year effort, the Athenians decided to abandon the siege of Syracuse, but Nicias superstitiously deferred the retreat because of an eclipse of the moon. The Athenians were routed, and Nicias was captured and put to death.