First Battle of Mantinea: What Happened
In 418 BC, during the uneasy Peace of Nicias, the largest land battle of the Peloponnesian War was fought near Mantinea in Arcadia. Encouraged by the Athenian politician Alcibiades, Argos, Mantinea, Elis and Athens had formed an alliance aimed at breaking Sparta's control of the Peloponnese. The Spartan king Agis II marched against them with Sparta and its allies, including Tegea. As the two armies advanced, both drifted to the right, a common tendency as each soldier edged toward the shield of the man beside him. Agis tried to reorganize his line in the middle of the battle, and his orders were disobeyed, opening a gap. Despite the confusion, the Spartan center and right smashed the Argive and allied forces opposite them, and then turned to defeat the rest of the enemy army. The victory was decisive. It restored Sparta's military reputation, badly damaged by the surrender at Sphacteria, and broke up the anti-Spartan alliance. Argos soon made peace with Sparta, and Alcibiades' plan to weaken Sparta on land collapsed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the First Battle of Mantinea?
The First Battle of Mantinea, in 418 BC, was the largest land battle of the Peloponnesian War. Sparta defeated an alliance of Argos, Mantinea, Elis and Athens in Arcadia.
Who led the Spartans at Mantinea?
The Spartan army was led by King Agis II. Despite confusion in his battle line and disobeyed orders, his troops broke the enemy forces and won a decisive victory.
Why was the First Battle of Mantinea important?
The victory restored Sparta's military reputation after the surrender at Sphacteria and broke up the alliance that Alcibiades had built to weaken Sparta.
What role did Alcibiades play?
The Athenian politician Alcibiades encouraged the alliance between Athens, Argos and other Peloponnesian cities against Sparta. Its defeat at Mantinea ended his plan.
Where is Mantinea?
Ancient Mantinea is in Arcadia, in the central Peloponnese, a short drive north of modern Tripoli. The site includes remains of its walls and theatre.
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