5.1 Reactions to Mytilenean Revolt
After failing to save Mytilene, Alcidas aimed to return to Peloponnesus quickly. He sailed from Embatum, making a stop at Myonnesus where he killed captives taken during his journey. Upon arriving at Ephesus, he was confronted by Samians who advised him against executing non-enemy Mytileneans, arguing that such actions would turn allies against him. Eventually, Alcidas was persuaded to release some Chian prisoners and spare those who were not enemies. While anchored near Clarus, Alcidas saw Athenian ships, which prompted a hasty retreat. Paches, who learned of his movements, gave chase and reported them to Athenian forces.
5.2 Athenian Response to the Revolt
Paches, unable to catch Alcidas, expressed relief that the Peloponnesians had not fortified anywhere. He sailed to Notium, where local conflict was brewing due to factional disputes among the Colophonians. Paches negotiated with Hippias leading to a surprise attack on the fortified garrison. The fortress was captured, and Paches executed Hippias, returning control back to the Colophonians.
5.3 Aftermath for Mytilene
Upon returning to Athens, the captured Salaethus was executed. The Athenian assembly decided on severe penalties for Mytilene, considering the betrayal by its citizens, with the initial decree calling for the execution of all adult males and the enslavement of women and children. However, the next day, Athenians felt remorse over the harsh decision, realizing the injustice of collective punishment. Mytilenean envoys persuaded Athenian magistrates to reconsider their earlier decree.
5.4 Cleon vs. Diodotus
In the ensuing debate, Cleon argued against mercy, insisting that democracy weakened imperial control over revolting allies. He emphasized the need for ruthless punishment to deter further rebellions. In contrast, Diodotus urged a more lenient approach, arguing that harsh punishment was futile and advocating for reparative measures. He warned that punishing the innocent would create enemies rather than allies.
5.5 Final Decision on Mytilene
As the debate ensued, votes were cast to uphold Cleon’s decree or Diodotus’ proposal, with Diodotus’ proposal narrowly prevailing, ultimately saving many lives. New directives were sent to Paches to halt the executions of the Mytileneans, with messages arriving just in time as Paches was preparing to execute the original decree.
5.6 Treatment of Prisoners
Captives taken by Paches were treated differently; several were sent back to Mytilene. Severe punitive measures were set, with Athenians razing the walls of Mytilene and confiscating ships. Mytilenean lands were allocated to Athenian citizens by lot to reinforce control over the territory. Athenian colonists were sent to secure the loyalty of the island, while citizens of Mytilene faced punishment, leading to enhanced Athenian measures in the region due to fears of insurgencies.
