← Previous Item

Anapus River (415 BC)

Next Item →

http://wargame-scenarios.com/images/ccaexp6.jpg
http://wargame-scenarios.com/images/ccalogo.jpg

Title
Anapus River (415 BC)
Description
In 415 BC Athens and Sparta were still under the Peace of Nicias, when the Sicilian city of Segesta requested help from Athens in their war against Selinus. Some Athenians saw this as an opportunity to take over all of …
Publisher
Date
-415
Scenario#
614
Scenario Description
In 415 BC Athens and Sparta were still under the Peace of Nicias, when the Sicilian city of Segesta requested help from Athens in their war against Selinus. Some Athenians saw this as an opportunity to take over all of Sicily, Syracuse, and even Carthage. Against his wishes, Nicias was elected general to lead the Sicilian Expedition. The Athenians used a double agent to trick the Syracusan army into marching to Catana, and when they took the bait, landed unopposed south of the Anapus River. There they took up a strong defensive position. When the Syracusans returned and found the Athenians waiting, they made camp for the night, intending to fight the next day. The Athenians, in a surprise move, attacked at dawn across the river. The unprepared Syracusan soldiers formed up as best they could in the short time before the Athenian force made contact. The Athenians used the river to guard their left as they advanced, and placed their light troops on the wings to fight off the Syracusan cavalry. Despite the greater depth of the Syracusan phalanx, the superior discipline and experience of the Athenians carried the day. However, they could not undertake an aggressive pursuit and score a decisive victory due to the lack of cavalry. It was a tactical victory without a strategic result. The Athenians sailed back to Catana for the winter, while the Syracusans prepared for a siege and sent to Corinth and Sparta for help.
Location
Syracuse, Sicily
Battle Name
Battle Narrative
The Sicilian Expedition was an Athenian military expedition to Sicily, which took place from 415–413 BC during the Peloponnesian War between the Athenian empire, or the Delian League, on one side and Sparta, Syracuse and Corinth on the other. The expedition ended in a devastating defeat for the Athenian forces, severely impacting Athens.
Narrative Source
Combatants
Athenian
Syracusan
Additional Information
Peloponnesian War

Geolocation