Battle of the Eurymedon: What Happened
Around 466 BC, the Athenian general Cimon led a Delian League fleet against a large Persian force gathering at the mouth of the Eurymedon River in Pamphylia, on the southern coast of modern Turkey. The Persians were preparing a new campaign in the Aegean and were waiting for reinforcements from Phoenicia. Cimon struck first. According to ancient accounts, he defeated the Persian fleet at sea, capturing or destroying around 200 ships, then landed his troops the same day and routed the Persian army on shore. Some sources say he went on to destroy the arriving Phoenician reinforcements as well. The double victory on land and sea was one of the greatest Greek successes against Persia. It ended any immediate Persian threat to the Aegean and secured the freedom of many Greek cities in southern Asia Minor. The battle also boosted the prestige of Cimon, the leading Athenian statesman of the time, and of the Delian League. With the Persian danger reduced, however, some allies began to question why they still needed to pay for the League.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Battle of the Eurymedon?
The Battle of the Eurymedon, around 466 BC, was a double victory on land and sea won by a Delian League force under the Athenian general Cimon against the Persians in southern Anatolia.
Who was Cimon?
Cimon was the son of Miltiades, the victor of Marathon, and the leading Athenian statesman and general of the 470s and 460s BC. He was later ostracized in 461 BC.
Where did the Battle of the Eurymedon take place?
It was fought at the mouth of the Eurymedon River in Pamphylia, on the southern coast of modern Turkey, near the ancient city of Aspendos.
Why was the Battle of the Eurymedon important?
It ended any immediate Persian threat to the Aegean and freed many Greek cities in southern Asia Minor, greatly boosting the prestige of Cimon and the Delian League.
How many ships were destroyed at the Eurymedon?
According to ancient accounts, the Greeks captured or destroyed around 200 Persian ships. Some sources say Cimon also destroyed arriving Phoenician reinforcements.
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