What Happened on Sphakteria?
The Spartan Warrior Ethos and the Disaster on Sphakteria
In the seventh year of the Peloponnesian War (425 BCE), an Athenian fleet landed on the west coast of the Peloponnese at place called Pylos. Under the leadership of the Athenian general Demosthenes, the Athenians garrisoned a small fort and although initially outnumbered by the Spartans, Demosthenes' troops maintained their positions. The Athenian occupation of Pylos threatened Spartan territory and consequently Sparta became concerned and increasingly nervous about the threat the occupation posed to Spartan control of Messenia. But as the Spartans began to increase their forces at Pylos, so too did the Athenians.
The narrative of the battle at Pylos and the capture of the Spartan Warriors is found in Thucydides (4.1-4.41). In this module you will begin in media res by reading about the battle and Thucydides' representation of it. You do not need to be an expert on Sparta, Greek history or even Thucydides; instead, read the narrative and react to how Thucydides describes what happened.
Helpful tips for Reading Primary Sources
Listening to Leadership:
Part 1: Teaching the Spartan ethos
Part 2: Pylos
Extra-reading questions to consider for Thucydides
- Brief History of the Peloponnesian War (link to Livius.org)
