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Title
Delium (424 BC)
Description
The first great Hoplite battle of the Peloponnesian War was fought between Athens and Boeotia. The Athenians formed a plot with some Boeotian democrats to overthrow the Theban autocracy. Demosthenes led an expedition in the west, while Hippocrates led the …
Subject
Source
Publisher
Date
-424
Scenario#
611
Scenario Description
The first great Hoplite battle of the Peloponnesian War was fought between Athens and Boeotia. The Athenians formed a plot with some Boeotian democrats to overthrow the Theban autocracy. Demosthenes led an expedition in the west, while Hippocrates led the main Athenian army into eastern Boeotia to seize Delium. The coup failed, and Hippocrates fell back towards Athens. Meanwhile, the entire Boeotian League had been called to arms and 7,000 Hoplites, 10,500 light troops and 1,000 cavalry under Theban general Pagondas intercepted the Athenians just as they crossed the frontier. Pagondas formed his Thebans on the right in a mass, with the Sacred Band in the van. The battlefield was narrow, so most of his light troops and cavalry had to be held back. Hippocrates was caught by surprise, but the Athenians were able to form up before the Thebans reached them. Hippocrates positioned himself on the right with the pick of his army. Pagondas led the charge of the massed Thebans, and forced the Athenian left back, but it did not break. Hippocrates led the Athenian right in a countercharge and shattered the Boeotian left. At this juncture, Pagondas ordered his reserve cavalry to attack the victorious Athenians. The Athenians, mistaking the few horsemen for the advance guard of a new army, panicked and broke. The Athenian left, hard pressed by the massed Thebans, collapsed at the same time. Hippocrates was among the slain. It was a great victory for Pagondas, and Athens would not threaten Boeotia again during the Peloponnesian War.
Location
Delium, Greece
Battle Name
Battle Narrative
The Battle of Delium took place in 424 BC, during the Peloponnesian War. It was fought between the Athenians and the Boeotians, who were allies of the Spartans, and ended with the siege of Delium in the following weeks.
Narrative Source
Wikipedia: Battle of Delium
Scenario Link
External Link
Combatants
Athenian
Boeotian
Additional Information
Peloponnesian War