The Fate of Pausanias
Encounter with Ephors
Pausanias, a Lacedaemonian general, sought refuge as a suppliant. In an effort to ensure his safety, he divided a hut with a partition and placed some Ephors in the inner section. Upon questioning, the reason for his supplication was revealed, which caused him considerable distress.
Accusations and Arrest Attempts
The Ephors overheard a man accusing Pausanias of treachery, claiming that he had served the King in the past. Pausanias did not deny this accusation; instead, he urged the man to leave without inciting anger. The Ephors, suspecting foul play, planned to arrest Pausanias and nearly succeeded before he managed to flee to the temple of Athena.
Death and Burial
Surrounded by his pursuers, Pausanias was starved until he was brought out of the temple, barely alive. However, instead of being thrown into the Caeadas, he was buried nearby, in accordance with the command of the Oracle of Delphi.
Themistocles and His Exile
Themistocles' Flight
Facing suspicions of treason, the Lacedaemonians pursued Themistocles, prompting his flight to Argos. Upon arriving at the home of King Admetus, he sought refuge and made a heartfelt plea for safety.
Refuge in Admetus
King Admetus granted sanctuary to Themistocles, refusing to surrender him despite pressure from the Lacedaemonians. He assisted Themistocles in escaping towards Pydna, where he boarded a merchant vessel bound for Ionia. Although he faced danger from Athenian ships at Naxos, he ultimately arrived safely in Ephesus.
Plea to the Persian King
In Ephesus, Themistocles wrote to King Artaxerxes, detailing his past services against Persia and requesting asylum. Recognizing his natural talents, the Persian king welcomed Themistocles, who soon became a prominent figure in the Persian court.
The Athenian Response to Challenges
Conflict with Lacedaemonians
As tensions escalated, the Athenians, with their Corinthian allies, faced the Lacedaemonians on multiple fronts.
Perspectives on War
Pericles, a leading figure among the Athenians, advised against yielding to Peloponnesian commands regarding territory and trade. He emphasized that conceding minor points would only lead to further demands. Arguing for war, Pericles highlighted the strength of the Athenian navy and urged readiness for the inevitable conflict.
The War Develops
Key Battles
The invasion of Plataea was notable for its surprising military actions, while urban unrest surged within Athenian territories, prompting officers to respond decisively.
The Plague in Athens
As the war progressed, a devastating plague struck Athens, leading to severe population losses and negatively impacting morale among the citizens.
Mytilenian Revolt
Lesbos and Revolt
In the wake of the invasion of Attica, the Mytilenaeans revolted against Athenian control. The Athenians quickly sent a fleet to retake Mytilenè, but they faced a strong resistance from local forces committed to independence.
Struggles and Strategies
The Athenian commanders concentrated on maintaining their control over strategic islands, establishing a blockade of Mytilenè and preparing for a protracted siege. Meanwhile, key alliances were formed to bolster military strength against the Athenian presence, with Athenian confidence remaining closely tied to their naval power.
Conclusion of the Year
As the year drew to a close, continued revolts and fluctuating morale among Athenian forces resulted in a chaotic situation. The Athenians faced the growing challenge of maintaining control in the politically volatile landscape of Hellenic politics.
Reflection on Leadership
Despite the unfolding challenges, Pericles emerged as a key figure advocating for robust defensive strategies and unity among Athenian leadership. The culmination of military actions indicated increasing conflict and heightened attention on Athens as it confronted numerous external and internal pressures.
