Thyreatis (545 BC)

Sparta and Argos were quarreling over Thyreatis, a territory which was occupied by Sparta, but belonged to Argos. The Argives marched out to recover their land, but instead of engaging in battle, the two armies agreed that rather than commit …

-545

602

Sparta and Argos were quarreling over Thyreatis, a territory which was occupied by Sparta, but belonged to Argos. The Argives marched out to recover their land, but instead of engaging in battle, the two armies agreed that rather than commit full armies, 300 of the best men from each side would fight it out to determine a victor. After a bloody contest, only three men remained, two Argives and one Spartan. The Argives claimed victory because of their numerical superiority and returned to their army. The Spartan also claimed victory, since their man was the last on the battlefield. The Argives sent their entire Hoplite army forward to settle the argument. An equally determined Spartan army met them. After heavy losses on both sides, the Spartans emerged victorious.

Thyrea, Greece

The Battle of the 300 Champions, known since Herodotus' day as the Battle of the Champions, was a battle fought in roughly 546 BC between Argos and Sparta. Rather than commit full armies both sides agreed to pitting 300 of their best men against each other.

Wikipedia: Battle of the 300 Champions

Argive

Spartan

Greek City State Battles