Evagoras I (c. 435–374 BC)

Ruler of Salamis in Cyprus from 410 BC. He sided with Athens against Sparta, and was at war with Persia 391–381 BC.

Evagoras welcomed the Athenian commander Conon, who had escaped with eight ships after the Athenian fleet was virtually annihilated at the Battle of Aegospotami 405; he later obtained Persian help for Athens against Sparta, and was present at the Athenian victory of Cnidus 394 BC. From 391 BC Evagoras was openly hostile to Persia and was supported by Athens until 387 when Evagoras refused to recognize the Peace of Antalcidas. He continued hostilities alone until 381 BC, when he was defeated at Citium. He made peace with Persia soon afterwards and remained ruler of Cyprus until his assassination.