422 BC · Amphipolis, northern Greece (Thrace) Theater
422 BC
Both of the war's most aggressive leaders died at Amphipolis, opening the way to the Peace of Nicias. The Spartan general Brasidas had brilliantly seized Amphipolis, Athens's most important northern colony, by a surprise march the previous year. Cleon arrived to retake it. Brasidas launched a sudden sally from the city gates; Cleon, who had not expected a battle, was caught unprepared and killed while fleeing. The Athenians were routed, but Brasidas too received a mortal wound during the pursuit and died knowing his side had won. The city gave him a hero's burial.
Commanders