Lysander was one of the most important admirals that the Spartans had ever seen. His cocky attitude helped him to dominate the sea. Many saw him as an arrogant and ruthless leader but some looked pasted that and saw his true brilliance. .
Lysander grew up in a poverty stricken family. He fell into the social class Mothax (an inferior class that gave its members a way to gain full citizenship). Regardless of this classification, Lysander earned his full citizenship through valorous conduct. (Demetrios Xanthippos, http://www.ancientsites.com/aw/Post/152425) Despite this poverty, he was still raised to the values of his society. The Laconian education instilled ambition and passion into his character. However his natural personality was responsible for most of this. Surprisingly, Lysander dealt with poverty very well and was not corrupted by wealth. (Plutarch Notes: Lysander, Page 1) .
At this time, The Peloponnesian war had been going on for quite sometime. After a huge defeat in Sicily by the Spartans, the Athenians worried that their "mastery of the sea" title was slowly diminishing. In order to combat this problem, the Athenians instated Alcibiades to command their naval fleets. With Alcibiades help, the Athenians again proved to be a match for their enemies by sea. As a result, the Lacedaemonians name Lysander the "admiral of the seas." After this appointment, Alcibiades sailed past Lysander and his troops; taunting him with his superior navy. Lysander sent only a few ships to follow Alcibiades's forces. Once Lysander grew closer he noticed Athenian ships coming to the aid of Alcibiades. In response, Lysander added more ships to his fleet. The two parties battled and Lysander came out the victor. With this win, Lysander took over 15 Athenian ships. (Plutarch Notes: Lysander, Page 2-3).
After That battle, Lysander was replaced by a man named Kallikratidas. He argued with Lysander and alienated all his friends.
