Brasidas (d. 422 BCE) was an enterprising and successful Spartan general during the early years of the second Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE) between Athens and Sparta. His successes against the Athenians tilted the balance of the war back towards the Spartans after their disaster at Pylos (425 BCE). Brasidas encouraged a number of revolts against Athens and detached a number of cities, including the important city of Amphipolis, from the Athenian Empire. At the Battle of Amphipolis in 422 BCE he defeated an Athenian army led by Cleon; however, both generals died in the fighting. He was also responsible for Thucydides' change of career from general to historian.
More about: Brasidas7 days left
Server Costs Fundraiser 2024
Help our mission to provide free history education to the world! Please donate and contribute to covering our server costs in 2024. With your support, millions of people learn about history entirely for free every month.
$12729 / $18000
Definition
Timeline
-
425 BCEAthenians capture Pylos. Spartan general Brasidas is injured in attempting to retake the city.
-
424 BCESpartan Brasidas' campaign in Thrace.
-
424 BCESpartan general Brasidas takes Amphipolis, Thucydides failed to prevent this and is exiled.
-
422 BCEThe Athenians, led by Cleon, try to retake Amphipolis but are defeated by Brasidas.
-
422 BCESpartan general Brasidas dies of his wounds at Amphipolis.
-
422 BCESpartan general Brasidas employs Myrkinian and Chalkidian peltasts to defeat a force of Athenian hoplites at Amphipolis.