2. Athenian Settlement of Messenians at Naupactus

The ancient region of Messenia was located in the southwest Peloponnese, west of the Taygetus mountain range, which separated Messenia from Laconia, home of the Spartans. Its capital Messene was located on the southwestern slopes of Mount Ithome and was one of the best fortified of ancient Greek cities. In the First (c. 730-710 bce) and Second (c. 650-620 bce) Messenian Wars Sparta captured Messenia and reduced its population to helots. In c. 466 (during the time of the Delian Leage and the Hellenic alliance) an earthquake in Sparta provided the opportunity for a helot revolt in Messenia; the rebels fled to Mt. Ithome. The Spartans appealed to Athens for aid in subduing the revolt, because of their experience in siege warfare; the Athenians under Cimon responded to the appeal in 462-1, but were dismissed shortly afterwards.

Upon returning home, the Athenians broke off the Hellenic alliance (against Persia) with Sparta and exiled Cimon, in response to the Spartan insult. The Messenian rebels surrendered to Sparta in 457-6 under the condition that they could leave the Peloponnese; Athens accepted them and settled them in the city of Naupactus, which Athens had captured recently from the Ozolian Locrians.

 

 

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