Sphacteria (425 BC)

After the Battle of Pylos, a force of Spartan soldiers was isolated on the island of Sphacteria. Demosthenes, commanding the force at Pylos, initially planned to starve the Spartans out, but it became clear over time that the Spartans would …

-425

610

After the Battle of Pylos, a force of Spartan soldiers was isolated on the island of Sphacteria. Demosthenes, commanding the force at Pylos, initially planned to starve the Spartans out, but it became clear over time that the Spartans would be able to hold out. He requested reinforcements from Athens. Cleon, with an Athenian expeditionary force, landed and moved inland, harassing the Spartans with missile fire whenever they attempted to advance to battle. The frustrated Spartans withdrew to the northern end of the island, where they waited behind their fornications. A stalemate took place for some time, until an Athenian force burst into the Spartan rear using a route along the island’s shore that had been left unguarded because of its roughness. The Spartans abandoned their defenses after Epitadas, their commander, was killed. Styphon, now in command, ordered his surrounded men to throw down their shields and surrender. The mystique of Spartan invincibility was shattered.

Spacteria, Greece

The Battle of Sphacteria was a land battle of the Peloponnesian War, fought in 425 BC between Athens and Sparta. Following the Battle of Pylos and subsequent peace negotiations, which failed, a number of Spartans were stranded on the island of Sphacteria. An Athenian force under Cleon and Demosthenes attacked and forced them to surrender.

Wikipedia: Battle of Sphacteria

Athenian

Spartan

Peloponnesian War