The Fall of Nisaea
Background
The Athenians recognized that capturing Nisaea would require a battle within its city walls. To execute this, they initiated a circumvallation of Nisaea, effectively blocking off support from Megara while quickly securing supplies and manpower from Athens.
General Strategy and Execution
The Athenian forces intercepted approaches with cross-walls and utilized local materials to construct trenches and walls. Completing these fortifications promptly caused panic among Nisaea's inhabitants, leading to their surrender before aid from Megara arrived. The terms of capitulation required the inhabitants to pay a ransom, and allowed the Athenians to decide the fate of the Lacedaemonian commander and the other troops present.
Brasidas' Response
Brasidas' Mission
Upon hearing of Nisaea's capture, the Lacedaemonian general Brasidas sought to rescue Megara and called upon Boeotians to assemble their forces for a counter-offensive.
Arrival at Megara
However, upon his arrival at Megara, he faced distrust from both factions within the city, which delayed his reception. Both parties decided to wait for the outcome of a duel between the Athenians and his forces before choosing sides.
The Boeotian Reinforcements
Boeotians Mobilize
Alarmed by the threat to their territory, the Boeotians mobilized their forces to assist Brasidas. An initial surprise attack by the Boeotians drove the Athenian light troops back; although the Athenians claimed victory, they lost strategically.
Stalemate
This engagement ended in a stalemate as both armies found themselves in a battle of wits, with neither side pushing for a decisive encounter.
The Outcome in Megara
Change in Leadership
Following the Athenians’ withdrawal, the Megarians sided with Brasidas, resulting in the overthrow of pro-Athenian factions. Negotiations for a new governance structure commenced, leading to a drastic political shift towards an oligarchy.
Athenian Naval Activities and Losses
Demodocus and Aristides
In response, the Athenian generals Demodocus and Aristides took action against island factions threatening their interests, achieving key victories that helped recover important strategic locations such as Antandrus.
Lamachus' Defeat
Conversely, Lamachus' naval campaign ended poorly, hindered by natural disasters and resilient enemy resistance.
Demosthenes' Operations in Boeotia
Expedition Planning
To counter ongoing threats, Demosthenes organized coordination for simultaneous attacks on multiple Boeotian cities, aiming to distract the Boeotians while seizing key territory.
Communication and Coordination Failures
However, risky attempts at coordination resulted in insufficient alignment, ultimately leading to failed attempts at territorial gains.
The Thacian Campaigns
Brasidas in Chalcidicè
Brasidas moved eastward in pursuit of bolstering Lacedaemonian support among neighboring states. He successfully captured various cities by promising fair governance, which contrasted with Athenian harshness.
Strategic Manipulation of Local Politics
Through smart political maneuvers, he drew in potential allies against Athenian influence and leveraged his reputation to gain support.
Treaty Negotiations and Renewals
Truce After Ten Years
Following extensive battles and notable losses, both sides leaned towards peace negotiations. However, complications arose due to ongoing conflicts and treaty breaches.
Alliance Dynamics
During these negotiations, allegiances shifted, and new alliances formed, with the Argives demonstrating flexibility and ambitions to lead opposing states against both Sparta and Athens.
The Renewed Tensions
The Athenian Response
Feeling betrayed by Lacedaemonian duplicity, the Athenians sought alliances with Argives to counter the emerging threats. Alcibiades became a central figure advocating for renewed military action and political maneuvering.
Breach of Peace
The renewal of hostilities over territorial disputes soon followed the peace treaty, showcasing the fragile nature of their agreements.
Conclusion: Fragile Peace and Continuing Conflict
Ultimately, the mistrust resulting from previous treaties fostered ongoing conflicts. New alliances formed based on inter-city politics, and hostilities resumed shortly after peace negotiations, with significant battles continuing until the end of the war.
