Battle of Cyzicus
Cyzicus, on the Sea of Marmara, Turkey
What happened
An Athenian fleet under Alcibiades, Thrasybulus and Theramenes fought the Spartan fleet of Mindarus, supported by Persian troops of the governor Pharnabazus. During the Peloponnesian War, Alcibiades sailed toward Cyzicus with just 20 ships while the rest of the Athenian fleet waited out of sight. Mindarus attacked with his whole fleet, and the Athenians pretended to retreat, then cut off the Spartans' escape. The Spartans fled to the shore, where more fighting followed, Mindarus fell and most Spartan ships were captured.
Why it matters
Why it matters: Athens regained control of the waters of the Hellespont. Over the next year it recovered several cities in the region.
What came next
Sparta sent envoys to Athens asking for peace, but Athens refused. Sparta rebuilt its fleet with Persian money.
Did you know?
An intercepted Spartan message summed up the defeat in a few words: 'The ships are gone. Mindarus is dead. The men are starving. We know not what to do.'
Timeline
- 411 BCEAlcibiades is recalled to Athenian command.
- Spring 410 BCEAthens wins at Cyzicus.
- Spring 407 BCEAlcibiades returns to Athens.
- 406 BCEAthens loses at Notium, and Alcibiades goes into exile.