Elpinice (Ancient Greek: Ἐλπινίκη Μιλτιάδου Λακιάδου, romanized: Elpinikē Miltiadou Lakiadou, flourished c. 510-450 BC)[1] was a noblewoman of classical Athens.
Part of the Cimonids (related to Cimon), her high status in society through birth and marriage influenced her outspoken nature as seen in Plutarch's works.
Some accounts[6] say that Elpinice was for a time married to her brother, but was later given as a bride to Callias II, one of the richest men in Athens, who had fallen in love with her.
[11] When the people of the island of Samos revolted against Athenian rule, Pericles pursued a war against them and punished them by demolishing their city walls, confiscating their ships and forcing them to pay a large fine.
Rather than celebrate the victory Elpinice was a lone voice who pointed out that it was won over Athens' own people rather that against her true foreign enemies such as the Phoenicians or Medes.