Overview
Anytus
Quick Reference
A rich Athenian and democratic leader, best known as a prosecutor of Socrates (399 bc). General in 409, he failed to prevent the loss of Pylos; at his trial he reportedly bribed the entire jury. After 403 he was a respected, moderate leader of the restored democracy. Plato (Meno 91) introduces him as a passionate enemy of the sophists. His prosecution of Socrates for impiety was probably motivated less by religious concerns than by anger at Socrates' disdain of democratic politicians.