Battle of Pylos and Sphacteria: What Happened
In 425 BC, the Athenian general Demosthenes fortified a position at Pylos, on the coast of Messenia in Spartan territory. The Spartans responded by landing about 420 of their soldiers on the nearby island of Sphacteria to help blockade the Athenian fort. When the Athenian fleet defeated the Spartan ships in the bay, those soldiers were trapped on the island. Alarmed, Sparta offered peace, but the Athenian politician Cleon persuaded the assembly to reject it. Cleon then took command himself and, with Demosthenes, landed a large force on Sphacteria. Using light-armed troops and archers, they wore down the Spartans with missiles rather than meeting them in close combat. The survivors, 292 men including around 120 full Spartan citizens, surrendered. The whole Greek world was stunned. Spartans were believed to fight to the death rather than give up, and the capture of so many shook Sparta's reputation. The prisoners were held in Athens as hostages, preventing further Spartan invasions of Attica. The victory made Cleon the most powerful man in Athens and strengthened its position in the war.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Pylos and Sphacteria?
In 425 BC, Athenian forces trapped about 420 Spartan soldiers on the island of Sphacteria, near Pylos. The survivors surrendered, which shocked the entire Greek world.
Why was the surrender at Sphacteria so shocking?
Spartans were believed to fight to the death rather than surrender. The capture of 292 men, including around 120 full Spartan citizens, badly damaged Sparta's reputation.
Who were the Athenian commanders at Pylos?
The general Demosthenes fortified Pylos, and the politician Cleon later took command. Together they led the attack on Sphacteria, using archers and light-armed troops.
What did Athens do with the Spartan prisoners?
The prisoners were held in Athens as hostages. The threat of executing them prevented further Spartan invasions of Attica until the Peace of Nicias in 421 BC.
Where is Sphacteria?
Sphacteria is a long, narrow island that closes off Navarino Bay near modern Pylos, in Messenia. The same bay was the site of the Battle of Navarino in 1827.
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