Death of Alcibiades

Alcibiades fled to a castle on the Chersonesus. From there he watched both fleets anchor nearby. Seeing the Spartans preparing to surprise the Athenians, he went to warn them—but they scorned him and sent him away. He watched the complete destruction of the Athenian fleet. Sparta marched into defenseless Athens, tore down the Long Walls to joyful music on the anniversary of Salamis, and installed the Thirty Tyrants. The Athenians longed for Alcibiades, so the Tyrants had him murdered. He fought bravely at his burning house but was killed by stones and spears. His wife wrapped his body in her mantle and buried him. He died at forty, far from home, his vanity having ruined Athens.