425 BC · Pylos and Sphacteria, western Peloponnese Theater
425 BC
Athenian general Demosthenes fortified a headland at Pylos on the Spartan coast, threatening Spartan control of Messenia. Sparta rushed forces to dislodge him and stationed 420 elite Spartiate hoplites on the adjacent island of Sphacteria to block the bay. Athenian ships broke through the naval cordon and blockaded Sphacteria, trapping the Spartans. After weeks of stalemate, the demagogue Cleon led a force of light-armed troops and Messenian guerrillas onto the island. Unable to come to grips with enemies who refused to stand and fight, the Spartans surrendered. 292 survivors walked into captivity — an unimaginable humiliation for the 'never surrender' culture of Sparta.
Commanders