Battle of Aegospotami
Aegospotami, Hellespont (present-day Çanakkale Province, Turkey)
What happened
The Spartan admiral Lysander faced the Athenian fleet, whose commanders included Conon, Tydeus and Menander. The Spartan and Athenian fleets faced each other across the narrow strait of the Hellespont. For four days, the Athenians rowed out to offer battle, and Lysander stayed in his harbor. On the fifth day, after the Athenians went back to shore and spread out to find food, Lysander attacked by surprise and captured most of their ships on the beach.
Why it matters
Result: Spartan victory. Leaders: Lysander / Aracus against Conon / Philocles. Why it matters: It was the final battle of the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta. Without its navy, Athens could no longer control the sea or bring in food.
What came next
Spartan forces surrounded Athens by land and blocked its port. The Athenians surrendered in 404 BCE.
Did you know?
The exiled Athenian leader Alcibiades, who lived in a castle nearby, warned the Athenian generals that their beach camp was a poor spot, but they sent him away.
Timeline
- 405 BCELysander sails to the Hellespont and captures the town of Lampsacus.
- 405 BCEThe Athenian fleet makes camp at Aegospotami, across the strait.
- Four daysThe Athenians offer battle each day, and Lysander refuses.
- 405 BCEOn the fifth day, Lysander attacks and captures most of the Athenian fleet.
- 404 BCEAthens surrenders, ending the Peloponnesian War.