Revolt of Mitylene in 428 B.C.: Causes and Consequences
The revolt of Mitylene in 428 B.C. was driven by the Mytilenians' desire to break away from the Athenian Delian League and establish control over the entire island of Lesbos. Despite initial skirmishes and diplomatic efforts, the Mytilenians faced challenges as conflicting alliances and ambitions unfolded. The subsequent clashes and appeals to Sparta illustrate the complex political landscape of ancient Greece during this tumultuous period.
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Why Mitylene Revolted Mytilenians saw an opportunity (plague in Athens, death of Pericles and continuing war) of removing themselves from the Athenian Delian League and of establishing their rule over the whole island of Lesbos. Mytilene hoped to unify the entire Island of Lesbos under its control. Methymna, however, was a loyal ally of Athens Peloponnesian caution as always, had delayed the offer of Mytilenean revolt before the war. Tenedians & Mytilenians informed Athens of impending insurrection against Athenian control.
Revolt of Mitylene Athens, upon realising that rumours of Mytilene were true, dispatched forty ships to Lesbos. They were to demand the turnover of Mytilean ships and the tearing down of their walls. If not, all-out war was to be waged. Mytileans were informed of the coming of the Athenians and began barricading themselves inside their town. After an initial skirmish with the Athenian fleet, the Mytilenians sued for peace. The offer was accepted and a Mytilenian ambassador was dispatched to Athens to plead their innocence and in hope of regaining their ships detained at Athens. However, in case of failure, the Mytilenians also sent an ambassador to Lacedaemon to plead for assistance. This duplicity would have profound implications for the citizenry of Mytilene.
Battle of Lesbos Mytilenian ambassador to Athens returns empty-handed; battle recommences. Athenians & their allies formed a naval blockade of the island An Anthenian sortie meanwhile ravaged lands along the coast of the Peloponnese The Mytilenian Ambassador was instructed by the Spartans to come to Olympia, so that the Peloponnese Alliance could hear his request. The Mytilenian rationale in this speech is......
Mityleanian Request to Sparta "Justice and honesty will be the first topics of our speech, especially as we are asking for alliance;.... ...as long as the Athenians led us fairly we followed them loyally; but when we saw them relax their hostility to the Mede, to try to compass the subjection of the allies, then our apprehensions began... ...but the same system also enabled them to lead the stronger states against the weaker first, and so to leave the former to the last, stripped of their natural allies, and less capable of resistance... We accepted each other against our inclination; fear made them court us in war, and us them in peace... Our revolt, however, has taken place prematurely and without preparation- a fact which makes it all the more incumbent on you to receive us into alliance and to send us speedy relief, in order to show that you support your friends, and at the same time do harm to your enemies.
Athens Invades Peloponnese invade Attica (after request of Mytilenians) Athens ravages Spartan coast Mytilenians attack Methymna (ally of Athens) Athens reponds with an invasion force; first by a naval blockade of the town, reinforced by 1,000 infantrymen under Paches, blockading Mytilene with a wall either side; by land and by sea. Salaethus was sent to inform the Mytilenians of forthcoming help from the Peloponnesians. (40 ships) Eventually, the Mytilenians realise that no help is forthcoming from the Peloponnesians, demand that the city authorities sue for peace with the Athenians. Salaethus' attempt to lead the citizenry in arms against the Athenians leads to this general consensus of peace- seeking.
Settlement in Lesbos Paches, the Athenian commander, now took control of Mytilene & seized Antissa. Paches sent Salaethus and over a thousand Mytilenians to Athens to await judegement Paches then settled in Mytilene with the remainder of his forces, dispatching most of them back to Athens with the prisoners
Debate in Athens: Mitylene Salaethus was immediately put to death, nothwithstanding his offer of removing the Peloponnesians from Plataea Great resentment & anger was felt at the Mytilenian revolt The Peloponnesian fleet, spotted on its way to relieve the Mytilenian insurrection against Athens, now became evidence of a long-planned treachery of Mytilene against Athens. Many felt that severe punishment should be brought against Mytilene: 1) Kill the entire male population of Mytilene, not just the guilty prisoners brought to Athens 2) enslave all the females and children of Mytilene A message was dispatched to Paches, at Mytilene, to carry out these orders.
Cleon: Warmonger & Demagogue? Cleon, a former opponent of Pericles in the Athenian Assembly and now one of its most powerful statesmen, advocated a total reprisal against the Mytilenian population as an example to the rest of the Delian League. Cleon had proposed the removal of Pericles in 430 BC for 'maladministration of Athenian finances' Described by Thucydides as a warmonger and demagogue: Thucydides was exiled due to a decree by Cleon for 'military incapacity' Image: Bluster , from Aristophanes Knights depiction of Cleon? Cleon has become infamous in history for his proposal to genocidally-cleanse Mytilene both in reprisal and for the sake of setting an example to all of Athens' rivals
Mitylenian Debate: Cleon "I have often before now been convinced that a democracy is incapable of empire never reflect that the mistakes into which you may be led by listening to their appeals your empire is a despotism and your subjects disaffected conspirators, whose obedience is ensured not by your suicidal concessions, but by the superiority given you by your own strength and not their loyalty bring you no thanks for your weakness from your allies; entirely forgetting that ordinary men usually manage public affairs better than their more gifted fellows. The latter are always wanting to appear wiser than the laws, and to overrule every proposition brought forward, thinking that they cannot show their wit in more important matters where vengeance follows most closely upon the wrong, it best equals it and most amply requites it this is not revolt- revolt implies oppression; it is deliberate and wanton aggression; an attempt to ruin us by siding with our bitterest enemies; a worse offence than a war undertaken on their own account in the acquisition of power
Demosthenes & King Agis Battle of Pylos & Sphacteria 425 B.C.
Battle of Pylos & Sphacteria Demosthenes, on his way to put down a revolt in Sicily, was driven by a storm into Pylos. Here, Demosthenes, realising he was on Spartan territory, instructed his men to fortify the coast with whatever stone & wood they could find. Demosthenes then sent out 2 triremes (ships) to bring back the Athenian Navy- Eurymedon - to aid them. He had 5 ships left. The Spartan ships, seeing that they're territory was being held by Athenians, attempted to blockade them with ships in the Bay of Navarrino and placing troops on the island of Sphacteria
Battle of Pylos & Sphacteria The Spartans, somewhat distracted by a religious festival and their annual invasion of Attica(15 days) at this time, were slow to respond. When they did, the Peloponnese occupied the mainland and brought 60 ships in to surround the Athenian stronghold They occupied the island of Sphacteria with 420 men under Epitadas The Spartans intended to blockade both the inlet by Pylos (2 ships) and the entrance to the Bay of Navarriono (8- 9 ships) Day 1: Demosthenes brought 60 of his heavy infantry and a few archers outside his fortifications to repel any assault by landing craft Spartan assault by land & sea: 43 ships under Thrasymelidas Brasidas led the most courageous of assaults on the fortification, but upon landing, was eventually severely wounded and beaten back his shield was picked up by the Athenians and used as a trophy
Demosthenes' Speech at Pylos In emergencies like ours calculation is out of place; the sooner the danger is faced the better... ...One of the points in our favour is the awkwardness of the landing... ...supposing that we succeed in repulsing him, which we shall find it easier to do, while he is on board his ships, than after he has landed and meets us on equal terms... Large as they may be he can only engage in small detachments, from the impossibility of bringing to... to stand fast in the present emergency, beat back the enemy at the water's edge, and save yourselves and the place."
Battle of Sphacteria & Pylos Day 2: Day 3:
Battle of Battle of Amphipolis Amphipolis 422 B.C: Death of the 'War Death of the 'War- -Hawks' 422 B.C: Hawks'
Battle of Battle of Amphipolis Amphipolis March 422 B.C. March 422 B.C. Spartans Athenians Brasidas -2,000 hoplites Cleon - -1,500 Athenians -Some allies -Attack or Siege??
Battle of Battle of Amphipolis Amphipolis Cleon Hesitates while Cleon Hesitates while Brasidas Brasidas takes the High Ground takes the High Ground Cleon, attempting to launch an attack against Amphipolis, first took the town of Torone and captured up to 700 prisoners. Having set up a trophy, Cleon then sailed onto Amphipolis, where Brasidas was fortifying the defenses. Cleon then made his base in Eion, and called for reinforcements from Thrace. Brasidasobserved the inaction of Cleon s forces at Eion, and took an observation point at Cerdylium. This, according to Thucydides, was a point commanding a view on all sides Brasidas called up 1,500 Thracian mercenaries and Chalcidian targeteers, heavy infantry (approx. 2,000) & 300 Hellenic horse 1,500 were stationed on high ground with Brasidas at Cerdylium, the rest reinforcing the town of Amphipolis
Battle of Battle of Amphipolis Amphipolis: : Cleon advances towards Cleon advances towards Amphipolis Amphipolis Thucydides states that Cleon was forced into premature action as: His soldiers, tired of their inactivity, began also seriously to reflect on the weakness and incompetence of their commander, and the skill and calour that would be opposed to him, and on their own original unwillingness to accompany him. Cleon apparently heard these rumours and decided to advance just as he had at Pylos Without waiting for his reinforcements, his plan to surround and besiege the city was now hopeless and advancing meant engaging with the enemy. There was, from his viewpoint, no apparent defences in the town. Posting his forces on a hill opposite Amphipolis, he again waited.
Battle of Battle of Amphipolis Amphipolis: : Brasidas Brasidas Counter Counter- -Strategem Strategem Brasidas came down from Cerdylium to the town upon seeing Cleon s advance. Brasidas took 150 heavy infantry, leaving the rest under his subordinate, Clearidas, and decided to attack the Athenians just as they were retiring from their vantage point on the hill opposite. Brasidas instructed Clearidas to follow with the rest of the Amphipolitans once he had struck terror in their centre Brasidasdecided on this strategem as he knew reinforcements would not long be arriving for Cleon. Brasidas delivered a speech to his men, explaining why they were taking such a risky move:
Brasidas Brasidas Speech Speech Battle of Battle of Amphipolis Amphipolis I imagine it is the poor opinion that he has of us, and the fact that he has no idea of any one coming out to engage him, that has made the enemy march up to the place and carelessly look about him as he is doing ..the most successful soldier will always be the man who most happily detects a blunder like this.. ...by seizing the opportunity of the moment... do the greatest service to our friends by most completely deceiving our enemies... ...while their careless confidence continues...more of retreat than of maintaining their position...while their spirit is slack... ...take them by surprise and fall with a run upon their centre...
Battle of Battle of Amphipolis Amphipolis Cleon was finally made aware of the great trap that was forming, and having been informed further of the waiting forces inside the gates of Amphipolis, gave the order for retreat to be effected by the left wing moving in the direction of Eion. Cleon, in his urgency, pushed the right wing into retreat as well and according to Thucydides, thereby; ..thus turning its unarmed side to the enemy.. Brasidas, upon seeing this general disarray and hurry within the Athenians retreat, shouted to his soldiers: Those fellows will never stand before us, one can see that by the way their spears and heads are going. Troops who do as they do seldom stand a charge. Quick, someone, and open the gates I spoke of, and let us be out and at them with no fears for the result.
Battle of Battle of Amphipolis Amphipolis Brasidas forces emerged from behind the gates and ran directly at the centre of the retreating Athenians, while Clearidas emerged with the remainder of the forces from the Thracian gates to support him. Attacked on both sides, the Athenians were routed by surprise, confusion and broken in two by their left flank advancing earlier to Eion. Brasidas was struck down in the fight, while Cleon, attempting to escape, was cut down by a Myrcinian targeteer. The Athenian infantry was entirely surrounded at one point, before being totally destroyed and/ or dispersed among the hills, escaping back to Eion.
Battle of Battle of Amphipolis Amphipolis: : Aftermath Aftermath Brasidas lived long enough to hear of the victory and Clearidas set up the tophy Brasidaswas buried at the town s expense, and thereafter was honoured by the people with sacrifices and the honour of the games Thucydidesaccount regarding Brasidas stature after the Battle of Amphipolis: ...for they considered that Brasidas had been their preserver, and courting as they did the alliance of Lacedaemon for fear of Athens, in their present hostile relations with the latter they could no longer with the same advantage or satisfaction pay Hagnon his honours. Thucydides describes the battle succinctly as an; ...affair of accident and panic that I have described
Peace of Nicias 421 B.C. Peace of Nicias 421 B.C. From Hawks to Doves From Hawks to Doves Peace Settlement or Strategic Ceasefire?
Peace of Nicias 421 B.C. Peace of Nicias 421 B.C. From Hawks to Doves From Hawks to Doves Why? Thucydides gives a number of reasons for both sides wanting peace at this time. - Spartans were eager for peace, having being reluctant to enter war in the beginning - With the death of Cleon, many Athenians felt that peace was a strategic positive Resources?
Peace of Nicias 421 B.C. Peace of Nicias 421 B.C. Differing Motives Differing Motives Sparta Athens -Strategem of annual invasions into Attica had proved fruitless -Humiliation at Pylos had greatly unnerved her resolve -Desparate to gain return of captured Spartan soldiers (Pylos & Sphacteria) who were related to first families and therefore the governing body -Helots were deserting -30 Year Treaty with Argos about to expire: Argives demanding the return of Cynuria -Two successive defeats at Delium (424) & Amphipolis (422) had left their ambitions in tatters -Death of Cleon had removed a war- hawk from a principal position in Athens -Concerned about recent losses tempting her allies to rebel
Peace of Nicias 421 B.C Peace of Nicias 421 B.C.. Thucydides also makes another reference to the two great opponents of peace on both sides; Cleon, who according to Thucydides had opposed peace because; he thought that, if tranquility were restored, his crimes would be more open to detection and his slanders less credited.. & Brasidas, who according to Thucydides had opposed peace because; ...from the success and honour which war gave him...
Peace of Nicias 421 B.C Peace of Nicias 421 B.C.. Thucydides now makes reference to the two heirs in both Athens & Lacedaemon; Nicias, who according to Thucydides, wanted to; ...secure his good fortune, to obtain a present release from trouble... Hand down to posterity a name as an ever-successful statesman...keep out of danger...commit himself as little as possible to fortune... & Pleistoanax, whom Thucydides describes as being assailed by opponents at home; ...regularly held up by them to the prejudice of his countrymen, upon every reverse that befell them, as though his unjust restoration were the cause....accusation that he and his brother had bribed the prophetess at Delphi...
Peace of Nicias 421 B.C. Peace of Nicias 421 B.C. Terms of the Treaty (1) Terms of the Treaty (1) Restore Athens territories taken in war * Restore Sparta s territories taken in war (except Nisea) 1) Touching the national temples, ....free passage by land and by sea to all who wish it...to sacrifice, travel, consult and attend the oracle or games, according to the customs of their countries 2) Temple & Shrine of Apollo at Delphi and the Delphians shall be governed by their own laws, taxed by their own state, judged by their own judges, the land & the people, according to the custom of their country 3) Treaty shall be binding for 50 years, by Athens & her allies, and by Lacedaemon & her allies, without fraud or hurt by land or by sea 4) It shall not be lawful to take up arms, with intent to do hurt, either for the Lacedaemonians & their allies against the Athenians & their allies, (vice-versa as per Athens) in any way or means whatsoever. But should any difference arise between them they are to have recourse to law and oaths, according as may be agreed between the parties.
Peace of Nicias 421 B.C. Peace of Nicias 421 B.C. Terms of the Treaty (2) Terms of the Treaty (2) 5) Lacedaemonians shall return Amphipolis to the Athenians. In the case of cities given up by the Lacedaemonians to the Athenians, the inhabitants shall be allowed to go where they please & take their property with them: and the cities shall be independent, paying only the tribute of Aristides. 7) 8) 9) 10)
Biographies Pericles: Leader of Athens Cleon: Opponent of Pericles, Hawk , Demagogue Demosthenes: Strategoi, Master-Tactician Alcibiades: Nicias: Brasidas: Archidamus: Agis II: Thucydides
Cleon: A Critical Account Cleon, son of Cleaenetus, . . . the most violent man in Athens, and at that time by far the most powerful with The People, came forward . . . . (3.36.6) Commercial class son of Cleaenetus inherited a lucrative tannery business reactionary opponent of Pericles and his democratic reforms - indicted Pericles of 'maladministration of public finances in 430 B.C. - argued in favour of Mitylenian massacre in 427 B.C. - rabble-rouser, warmonger ('hawk') - powerful voice, natural orator trebled the pay of jurymen (politicking) hatred of nobility & aristocrats hatred of Sparta 'lost the peace' in 425 B.C. - exiled Thucydides for failed military campaign* - sent relief fleet to Demosthenes at Sphacteria doubled the Delian League contribution of Athens' allies killed at the Battle of Amphipolis, which paved the way for the Peace of Nicias (421 B.C.) Can we trust Aristophanes' & Thucydides' account of Cleon?
Post-Periclean Athens Cleon: Warmonger & Demagogue? Mitylenian Debate: Cleon Mitylenian Debate: Diodotus Mitylenian Resolution Battle of Olpae 426 B.C. Demosthenes & King Agis Battle of Pylos & Sphacteria 425 B.C. Demosthenes Battle of Amphipolis: Death of the 'War-Hawks' The Uneasy Peace: 420 415 B.C. The Sicilian Expedition: Alcibiades, Nicias & Demosthenes The Oligarchic Coup 411 B.C. Spartan-Persian Alliance: Final Defeat of Athens
