Battle of Amphipolis
Amphipolis, Central Macedonia, Greece
What happened
An Athenian army under Cleon fought a Spartan force under Brasidas. Brasidas had taken Amphipolis, an Athenian colony, in the winter of 424–423 BCE. In 422 BCE Cleon came to win it back, but when he began to pull his army away the retreat was disorganised, and Brasidas attacked. The Athenians were beaten, and both Cleon and Brasidas died.
Why it matters
With the leading Spartan general and the leading Athenian politician both gone, the two sides moved toward peace. The loss of Amphipolis also weakened Athens in Thrace.
What came next
The Peace of Nicias was signed in March 421 BCE and was meant to last fifty years. According to Thucydides it lasted about six years and ten months.
Did you know?
In Plato's Apology, the philosopher Socrates says he fought as a soldier at Amphipolis.
Timeline
- Winter 424–423 BCEBrasidas takes Amphipolis.
- 422 BCEBattle of Amphipolis; Cleon and Brasidas die.
- March 421 BCEPeace of Nicias signed.