433 BC · Sybota Islands, off Epirus Theater
433 BC
The naval battle of Sybota was one of the largest sea battles in Greek history before the Peloponnesian War formally began. Corinth — Sparta's key ally — clashed with Corcyra (modern Corfu) over control of the strategic colony of Epidamnus. Athens intervened on Corcyra's side, sending ten triremes as 'observers' with permission to fight only defensively. The Corinthian fleet initially won, but the timely arrival of Athenian reinforcements caused Corinth to withdraw. Both sides claimed victory. Athens's intervention brought it into direct conflict with Corinth and pushed Greece toward general war.
Commanders