ἐξωστράκισαν αὐτόν: Cimon was a supporter of the Lacedaemonian league, and also caused the Athenians to send aid to the Spartans in the third Messenian war. But when the Athenians were dismissed in so humiliating a manner at Ithome, his opponent, Pericles, turning to account the indignation of the people, succeeded in effecting his banishment in B.C. 461. The term of banishment by ostracism was limited by law to ten years. But Cimon was recalled about B.C. 457, also at the instance of Pericles. Since ostracism (Herm. Gr. Alter. i. § 130) was properly not a punishment, Socrates, in the words ἵνα αὐτοῦ δέκα ἔτη μὴ ἀκούσειαν, is merely making a point against the influence of Cimon in the state. Themistocles was banished in B.C. 471, and went to Argos. Here he was accused by the Spartans of participation in the treason of Pausanias, or μηδισμός, and to escape investigations fled to the Persian king, a step which was followed by the confiscation of his magnificent property at Athens.