Sicilian expedition (31 jul 415 año aC – 31 jul 413 año aC)

Descripción:

During the Peloponnesian War, Alcibiades a general and politician proposed to the Athenian government that the Athenians should take control of Spartan ally, Syracuse which was located on the island of Sicily. Athenians’ allies were also on island and also had called for help against Syracuse. In response in 416 Generals, Nicias, Lamachus and Alcibiades were sent to siege Syracuse however, Alcibiades was accused of destroying Hermes statues before leaving causing him to be recalled when they arrived in Sicily. The severity of his accused crimes caused Alcibiades to defect to Sparta on his way back to Athens. Alcibiades allying himself with the king of Sparta notifies him of the invasion of Syracuse. Back at Syracuse, the Athenians attempt to siege the city by cutting off their supplies by building a wall around the city however, Syracuse built a perpendicular wall blocking the Athenians from building surrounding walls. Lamachus is also killed in combat so Nicias who is ill calls for reinforcements from Athens. Athens sends the general Demosthenes who employed a night attack tactic which ended in the Athenian forces accidently attack and killing each other which led the Syracuse to also attack the Athenian forces as well. With the expedition seemingly a complete failure Nicias attempted to escape using the triremes btu were blocked in by the Spartan forces who came to aid Syracuse under Alcibiades advice. Many of the Athenians were killed or captured and both Demosthenes and Nicias were executed by the Syracuse. This loss ended up with Athens losing two thirds of their navy and at least 40 000 of their forces killed or captured.

Añadido al timeline:

fecha:

Fotos:

Geo-etiquetas: