Invasion of Attica
Lacedaemonian King Archidamus led an invasion into Attica. The initial movements involved assaults on Oenoè, which he failed to capture. The Lacedaemonians then shifted their focus to Eleusis and the Thria plain, managing to drive the Athenian horsemen away. As they advanced towards Acharnae, located in the heart of Attica, they established a camp and began to ravage the surrounding area.
Tactical Decisions
Archidamus hesitated to engage in direct combat, hoping to lure the Athenians out of their city by maintaining a camp near Acharnae. He believed that the Athenians would feel compelled to defend their lands from further devastation. Initially, the Athenians held hope that the invaders would retreat, recalling past conflicts with the Lacedaemonians that had ended in their withdrawal.
Athenian Rising Tensions
However, as the invasion continued, growing anger among the younger populace turned into restlessness due to the destruction of their lands. Internal disputes arose among citizens about whether to engage the Lacedaemonians directly. Pericles, the Athenian leader, opted for a defensive posture rather than leading an offensive charge to avoid unnecessary casualties.
The Resulting Conflict
As the Lacedaemonians rampaged across Attica, they failed to draw the Athenians from their city and executed a systematic destruction of farmland. The siege of Acharnae was extended, although minor skirmishes and intercepts occurred later. The local Acharnians displayed notable resistance, believing they could defend their homes and engage the adversaries. A shift in Athenian morale transpired, prompting the formation of a militia made up of citizens and volunteers eager to confront the invaders, hoping to mobilize more citizens to arms through their losses.
Pericles's Policy Reaffirmed
In light of the worsening situation, Pericles called for unity and patience among the citizens, emphasizing a long-term strategic view over impulsive engagement driven by anger. He organized a rally encouraging citizens to remain steadfast against the invaders, interpreting the Lacedaemonian strategy as an attempt to provoke them into combat.
Aftermath of the Stratagems
Despite the resistance, an internal health crisis began to unfold alongside the siege, which weakened Athenian resolve and complicated defense efforts. A significant number of citizens fell ill due to outbreaks of disease, creating chaos in logistics operations and leaving them unfit for combat.
Escalation of Tensions
As the siege progressed, the combined effects of the plague and ongoing invasions intensified discord and despair among the populace. The citizens’ instinct for retaliation against the Lacedaemonians, along with growing dissatisfaction with leadership, fueled division within Athenian ranks.
Final Notes on Governance and Reintroduction of Order
Pericles continued to work on bolstering Athenian naval strategies while alleviating the burdens imposed on the armies due to health issues. Ultimately, after facing numerous challenges, the preparation and resolve would dictate the outcome of their protracted struggle against tyranny and invasion. The summary points of the infiltration by Lacedaemonian forces emphasize the consistent pressure from the invaders, coupled with internal strife and public health challenges, as they positioned themselves around Acharnae while making continuous strategic decisions aimed at conserving strength for a decisive moment of advantage.
