Epicrates (Epikratês) (Greek: Επικράτης) was a citizen of ancient Athens who took a prominent part in public affairs after the end of the Peloponnesian War. He was a zealous member of the democratic party, and had a share in the overthrow of the Thirty Tyrants. But afterwards, when sent on an embassy to the Persian king Artaxerxes, he was accused not only of corruption, in receiving money from Artaxerxes, but also of embezzlement. Hegesander and Plutarch say that he so grossly flattered Artaxerxes as to propose that instead of nine archons, nine ambassadors to the Persian king should be annually chosen by the Athenians. Plutarch also says that he did not deny the charge of corruption. He seems, however, to have been acquitted, probably through the powerful interest possessed by himself and