ANDOCIDES, one of the "ten" Attic orators, was born
about 440 B.C. Implicated during the
Peloponnesian War in the mutilation of the Herms
? on the eve of the departure of the Athenian force against Sicily (415), although he saved his life by turning informer, he was condemned to partial loss of civil rights and went into exile. He engaged in commercial pursuits, and after two unsuccessful attempts returned to
Athens under the general
amnesty that followed the restoration of the democracy (403),
and filled some important offices. In 391 he was one of the
ambassadors sent to Sparta
? to discuss peace terms, but the
negotiations failed, and after this time we hear no more of
him. Oligarchical in his sympathies, he offended his own party
and was distrusted by the democrats. Andocides was no professional orator; his style is simple and lively, natural but inartistic.
Speeches extant:--De Reditu, plea for his return and
removal of civil disabilities; De Mysteriis, defence
against the charge of impiety in attending the Eleusinian
mysteries; De Pace, advocating peace with Sparta; Contra Alcibiadem, generally considered spurious.
Initial text from 1911 encyclopedia -- Please update as needed
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