Cimon comes from an old and important Athenian family. He loses his parents at a very young age, with the result that his education is neglected. Nevertheless, he is noble and generous by nature, and grows up to become the best general of his time. According to Plutarch, Cimon combined the best qualities of the earlier generals Miltiades (his father) and Themistocles, while being more honest than either of them.

Cimon’s father, Miltiades, leaves him to pay a hefty fine when he dies. Cimon is only able to recure the money by marrying his sister to the rich Callias; in exchange for her hand, Callias agrees to pay the fine.

Cimon distinguishes himself in the Second Persian War, after which he is elected admiral. He becomes known for his gentleness. He leads the Athenians on several successful campaigns in important sites such as Thrace and Scyros. On Scyros, he even finds the remains of the mythical Athenian hero Theseus and brings them home to Athens.

As Cimon becomes rich, he uses his money to help others as much as he can. Unlike most of the public figures of his time, Cimon never uses public funds to enrich himself. Cimon strengthens the Greek alliance against the Persians and leads several successful campaigns against the Persian Empire.