Greek Colonies in Italy

Greeks had founded colonies in Italy and Sicily. Sybaris became so rich that its people grew famous for luxury—one Sybarite complained a crumpled rose leaf disturbed his sleep (hence "Sybarite" for lovers of luxury). The simple people of Croton defeated them. Now Syracuse, Croton, Tarentum, and Messina were the main colonies. Alcibiades urged Athens to conquer them. Nicias opposed, but Alcibiades won the vote. A fleet was prepared with Nicias, Lamachus, and Alcibiades as generals. Just before sailing, all the statues of Hermes were found smashed. Alcibiades' enemies accused him. He asked for immediate trial, but it was postponed, and he sailed under a cloud of suspicion.