Demosthenes the General

Demosthenes the General was one of the most important military commanders of the Peloponnesian War. During the first few years of the war he fought several battles near the gulf of Corinth, including the invasion of Aetolia and the battle of Olpae. In 425 B.C.his fleet, which was on its way to Sicily, landed on Pylos, an Island off the Peloponnesian mainland. Sparta's fleet landed on nearby Sphacteria, and prepared to take the Athenian stronghold, but was repulsed. Meanwhile another fleet from Athens came and destroyed the Spartan fleet, leaving over 400 Spartans stranded on Sphacteria. Demosthenes, assisted by Cleon, was sent to capture them. The campaign was a success, the Spartans uncharacteristically surrendered, and were all sent to Athens to be hostages.

Demosthenes was in favor of Peace with Sparta, and helped negotiate the Peace of Nicias in 421. Unfortunately the peace did not last, and within a year, he was responsible for evacuating the Athenian army after their loss at Mantinea. Finally, in 414 B.C. he was sent with a large auxiliary force to Syracuse, to help Nicias take the city. The city was defended by a Spartan General, Gylippus, and had been strongly reinforced. Demosthenes decided on an immediate attack, but was defeated. At that point, he recommended a retreat, but Nicias refused, possibly because he feared returning to Athens after a defeat. They Syracusans blocked their exit to the harbor, forcing the fleet to attempt to flee by land. They were pursued, and the entire army was captured. Gylippus tried to spare Demonsthenes' life, but he was killed by the Syracusans.

     MAP OF PYLOS AND  SPHACTERIA

Cite :https://www.heritage-history.com/index.php?c=resources&s=char-dir&f=demosthenes1

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