2. Athenian Settlement of Messenians at Naupactus
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In summer 426 the Messenians at Naupactus encourage Demosthenes to launch an attack upon Aetolia, and the Messenian Khromon (Xro/mwn), who serves as the Athenian forces' guide, is killed in the ultimately disastrous expedition. In fall 426 200 Messenian hoplites support Demosthenes in his successful defense of Amphilochian Argos in northwest Greece against an assault by Spartan and Ambracian forces. In 425 a thirty-oared Messenian "privateer" happens along just as Demosthenes is preparing to resist a Spartan assault at Pylos. |
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Its 40 hoplites join the Athenian forces, and their general Komon (Ko/mwn) devises the winning strategy of the battle of Sphacteria. Above: View southwest (with Taygetus range in background) from the fortified acropolis of Messene; fortifications date from 369, when Messenia gained its independence following the Theban defeat of the Spartans in the Battle of Leuctra (371 bce). |
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