17 Mar Victory without battle. Lysander’s trick Posted at 03:02h in Philosophy by Lectures Bureau 0 Likes Share Lysander’s trick that crowned the Spartans victorious in the Peloponnesian War 413 BC The war was raging and it was difficult to end. The Spartans decided to create a powerful fleet, capable of dealing with the Athenian fleet. They even asked for money from the Persians for this purpose. Thus they managed to acquire a great naval power. The fight had already moved to the sea. In a naval battle that took place in Arginous (406 BC) the Athenians won. However, the critical conflict took place the following year at the Aigos rivers, where the Athenians suffered a great disaster. Lysander’s trick The fleets of Athens and Sparta faced each other in the straits of the Hellespont. The leader of the Spartan fleet, Lysander, did not seem willing to give battle. The Athenians thought the Spartans were afraid. So they left the ships, went ashore and began to buy what they needed. Lysander, having his fleet ready for a surprise attack, was on the other side of the straits, facing the Athenians. He ordered one of his ships to sail into the middle distance. From there the sailors watched the Athenians. As soon as they saw them ashore they raised a shield. Lysander, as soon as he saw the shield, ordered the fleet to sail at full speed. The Athenians who were still on land lost them. They ran for the ships, but they didn’t make it. They were all taken prisoner. After this event the Spartan fleet sailed to Piraeus. The Athenians found themselves in a difficult position. They were forced to sign peace (404 BC) with harsh terms for them. SOURCE: http://ebooks.edu.gr/ebooks/v/html/8547/2174/Istoria_D-Dimotikou_html-empl/index3_26.html Translation by LECTURES BUREAU
