Theogenes was an Athenian, who, in 425 BC, was appointed together with Cleon to repair to Pylos, and investigate the truth of the tidings, which had been brought thence, as to the difficulties of the blockade of Sphacteria. Cleon, however, prudently persuaded the people to abandon the proposed inquiry. (Thuc. iv. 27) It is possible that this Theogenes should be identified with the person who is mentioned by Aristophanes ( Vesp. 1183), and who, the scholiast tells us, was an Acharnian (Arnold, ad Thuc. I.e.). A man of the same name is satirized also by Aristophanes (Pax, 894) for his swinish propensities. (See also Arist. Av. 822, 1127, 1295, Lys. 63, with the Scholia.)

Theogenes was also one of the Athenian ambassadors who set forth on their way to Darius Nothus, in 408 BC, under promise of a safe conduct from Pharnabazus. The satrap however detained them in custody at the instance of Cyrus, and he could not obtain leave to release them till after the lapse of three years. Whether this was the same Theogenes who was appointed one of the 30 tyrants in 404 BC (Xen. Hell. ii. 3. § 2) we have no means of deciding.

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