Nicias' Political Rise
Nicias' rise to prominence occurred while Pericles was at the head of the Athenian government. After Pericles' death in 429 BC, Nicias became an important Athenian politician with the aristocratic (conservative) party looking to him as their leader. As such, Nicias became the rival of Cleon's popular or democratic party.
Nicias could not win the Athenian people's favour through eloquence or charm, as Plutarch states he had little of either. Instead, Nicias gained popularity through the use of his wealth. He funded choruses for Athenian dramas, organised sporting events and restored or erected statues and temples.
Plutarch specifically refers to an example of Nicias' generosity - his funding of the festival of Delos. Nicias funded the building of a bridge of boats between Delos and the Rhenean islands. The ships were decorated with garlands, gilding, and rich tapestry, all of which a richly dressed chorus walked across. Nicias then provided a 10,000 drachma fund to the Delians so they would continue this event into the future, praying in his behalf. Such instructions were engraved onto a pillar.
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