A Brief History
Between 415 and 413 BCE a battle for Syracuse on the Island of Sicily was fought between the forces of Athens and the forces of Sparta. Athens and Sparta had been engaged in the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE) for control of Greece and its environs in the Mediterranean. This battle proved so debilitating to Athens that the war with Sparta was as good as lost, although Athens managed to hold on for a remarkable 10 more years.
Digging Deeper
Athens was the dominant city state of Northern Greece, while Sparta was the reigning heavyweight champ of Southern Greece, known as the Peoloponnesus. Sicily, a large island located off the “toe” of Italy had seen human occupants as long as 12,000 years ago, and at least by 750 BCE had been colonized by Phoenicians and Greeks.
During the war between Greek City States Athens saw what they thought was an opportunity to capitalize on seizing control of Syracuse, the dominant Greek colony on Sicily. Athens mounted what is known as The Sicilian Expedition, at first meant to be a modest effort, but one marred by a lack of focus and clear purpose. In fact, the original commander of the invasion fleet of 20 ships was recalled before the fleet even reached Sicily. Syracuse was allied with the Dorian branch of Greeks (which included Sparta and Corinth) while many smaller colonies on Sicily were aligned with the Ionians (mainly Athens).
Athenian politicians and generals argued over the plans and goals of such an expedition, resulting in serious disagreements and a lack of consensus. Compounding the problem was a lack of enthusiasm among Sicilian states in joining with Athens. Meanwhile, in Syracuse news of a possible invasion likewise met with partisan debate over what to do, with various solutions such as a preemptive naval strike against the invasion fleet presented. The Athenian commander, Alcibiades (c. 450 – 404 BC), was recalled to Athens to face charges of profaning the Gods and conspiring against his own success, but he escaped in Italy and traveled to Sparta where he revealed the Athenian plans and organization.
The invading armada was reinforced into a massive force of over 200 ships (triremes and an additional 130 supply ships) and over 12,000 soldiers, while the forces of Syracuse, Sparta and Corinth put together a force of unknown size, but one that included a large cavalry contingent of 1200 mounted men and at least 1000 Spartans. Syracuse also had at least 100 ships included in its forces.
The initial invasion took Syracuse by surprise and was largely successful, but the leader of Spartan troops, General Gylippus, arrived to rally the defenders into not only a successful defense of Syracuse, but a total defeat of the Athenians and their allies. The entire Athenian force was either killed or captured (enslaved) and the entire fleet was sunk. The defeat was so catastrophic for Athens that rebels and foreign enemies (such as Persians) were encouraged to conduct raids and operations against Athens on the home turf of the Athenians. Athens was in the decline, and stubbornly hung on to resisting its enemies for another decade before being finally overwhelmed and eclipsed by the Dorians.
The Sicilian Expedition is an example of a country at war going too far in committing too large a force to a particular campaign that proves beyond its capability to succeed. The Sicilian Expedition can thus be compared to the disastrous campaigns of Napoleon invading Russia in 1812, Robert E. Lee’s thrust into Pennsylvania (Gettysburg) in 1863, the German invasion of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1941 or Japan attacking the United States in 1941, or even the German Ardennes Offensive (Battle of the Bulge) in 1944. Perhaps the Spanish Armada expedition against England can be compared, as well. Each of these expeditions proved disastrous for those mounting them, largely resulting in ultimate defeat. What other similar ill advised military forays can you think of?
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Historical Evidence
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<span class="dsq-postid" data-dsqidentifier="12660 https://www.historyandheadlines.com/?p=12660">46 Comments
I did not know that the Peloponnesian War lasted as long as it did. I still however do not understand why both Sparta and Athens wanted to own Greece that bad.
No matter how dominant a group might be in its territorial expansion, I will never understand why land was such a bug deal. Why couldn’t leaders have been happy ruling and growing the empires they already had instead of losing thousands of people. Imagine how prosperous each region would have been if they just focused on themselves.
This shows the importance of motivation when it comes to war and expeditions like this because athens never really agreed on the purpose or meaning behind this expedition
I did not know anything about the Sicilian Expedition. But it sounds like it was a mess.
If Athens did not have a clear plan, and everyone had different goals of the invasion, I do not get why they would attack in the first place.
Cool article. It seemed like a stretch for the athenians to accomplish that from the start.
In the case of the Sicilian Expedition, and the other battles mentioned, the losses and bloodshed suffered by the attackers (Athenians) were extremely disastorous at the river. These are considered disasters but ironically the invading forces would have done the exact same type of damage and destruction to the people who ended up defeating them. Really shows what goes around comes around and is a lesson to not spread to thin.
I will never fully understand the fight for land. Instead of rulers focusing on the land they have to rule upon when they were in power, which most of them couldn’t handle to begin with, they always wanted more. They fought and lost thousands for land that was unnecessary. Each region would have prospered much more if they were not at war for a larger area of land most of the time.
I’m not sure why the Athenians would begin an expedition without a clear plan or purpose. without this kind of motivation it is very clear (at least to me, I’m sure it wasn’t to them) that you are going to fail. I’m also unsure why they would continue to fight when they had practically already last their battle.
Alcibiades sounds like a pretty bad commander. How do you get to a higher up position without people realizing your a scumbag that would turn on you if they needed to.
It was an Athenian defeat like this that gave other countries, such as the Persians, the courage to invade Athens homeland. It is odd to think that the Peloponnesian War was not even decided in the homeland of where the two countries fighting were from. Athens and Sparta were both interested in the island of Sicily which sparked this.
It is amazing hearing about how Athens was defeated Sparta in the war. I think it is cool how they had ship fights back in the day when they didn’t have as much technology that we have today.
The island of Sicily is of great interest to both Sparta and Athens. However, i disagree with it being up there as one of the bloodiest battles as nothing will ever compare to that of the Battle of Normandy during WWII.
There was so much controversy you would think Sparta and Athens would come to a solution before going through all of these battles. I was also unaware how long the war actually went on.
I did not realize that the island of Sicily was of great importance to both Sparta and Athens. It is interesting to me how bloody of a battle this was over land.
I’ll never understand why people back then and even today to some extent are so obsessed with gaining more land when they have their own home and risk losing it by provoking other territories to maybe even invade them back
I would be curious to research what kind of impact this war had on future societies and cultures, like the Roman Empire. Even small things can have a great impact on the future.
Such a shame they couldn’t come to some sort of peaceful conclusion. i had no clue it lasted that long!
Awesome to see that Sparta crushed the Athenians abroad in Sicily, overcoming the significant disadvantages they were initially faced with at the onset of this conflict.
It is remarkable to see that Sparta was able to defeat Athens and not only beat them but an absolute demolishing victory. No one surviving on the other side is stunning.
The Battle of Marathon: where the Athenians completely crushed the larger Persian army. Although, Persia should have won, the Athenians stood strong and defeated the invaders.
The lack of agreement by the Athenian officials was not a good start for this war. If there was agreement, the objective may have been more clear for the athenian forces resulting in a different outcome. It is also remarkable to me that the Athenians were able to hold on for 10 years. That takes guts against the spartans.
It is amazing that the Spartans were able to completely wipe out the Athenians at the battle for Syracuse. It illustrates how strategic and strong the Spartan army was for its time!
Sparta was a warrior state, their male children were bred solely for war. Even in situations were they were out manned, the Spartans always found a way to will their way to victory.
Interesting how we can learn from history, but so many fail to do so. Like invading Russia. You just don’t do that. Ever. I guess the same went for the Greeks trying to fight in Sicily.
Sparta may have had its fair share of defeats, but when they won, they REALLY won. Being able to completely decimate Athens is crazy.
My family is from Sicily so this article title had me at hello. This is an interesting account on how some disconnect among the Athenian officials led to this complete destruction. We have to give them credit for going so strong at the Spartans, even though we all know it was not a good idea.
This story demonstrates clearly just how integral military intelligence is to a successful campaign. To be on the wrong side of an information leak is catastrophic to any military. This is why successful commanders, like Alexander, put so much time and energy into controlling intelligence.
Who knows how rewarding the Sicilian Expedition could have been for Athens? Alcibiades probably wasn’t even complicit in the Mutilation of the Herms. This happened the night before he was to leave for Sicily. Someone blamed him for it, and I guess it angered him enough that he switched sides! Never anger a prima donna.
Never good to throw all your eggs in one basket and it obviously cost Athens.
Athens should not have done this until the disagreements and arguments were over. In order to take control of something of this size and magnitude, everyone needs to on board and no second thoughts or guesses. This is what cost Athens in the end.
If you can’t decide why you’re invading, It might be a good idea to not invade.
Athens ended up losing because of second guesses on themselves when they never really agreed what to do here.
Sicilian Expedition can lead to so much information, we should look into it more
I believe I remember learning about this in class. It was genius to use ramming boats to take over their strong fleet as Spartans who are only really well-versed in combat on land.
A great rule to follow, is to not spread your forces to thin. Do not occupy an area to large to control,effectively, for it will fall easily.
Another example of great Spartan tactics and being able to read an enemy.
This is why I dont believe in the spartan army being overrated, to do something like this is incredible
Another example of an incredible Spartan victory. This is why they are legendary despite their many defeats listed in a previous article.
I cannot believe that the initial invasion took the entire Athenian force!
This is a wonderful example of the Spartans, this is partly why they are not overrated
all this truly proves spartans were incredible
This adds to the fact that the Spartans were truly a force to be reckoned with.
This just goes to show how amazing the Spartan warriors were.
despite some defeats the spartan military had great tactics!
The Spartan warriors were truly one of the most incredible military powers in ancient history