Sicilian Expedition

The topic Sicilian Expedition is discussed in the following articles:
history of


  • TITLE: ancient Greek civilization (historical region, Eurasia)
    SECTION: The Sicilian disaster

Peloponnesian War

  • TITLE: Peloponnesian War (ancient Greek history) small-scale military operations as each city tried to win smaller states over to its side. The uncertain peace was finally shattered when, in 415, the Athenians launched a massive assault against Sicily. The next 11 years made up the war’s second period of fighting. The decisive event was the catastrophe suffered by the Athenians in Sicily. Aided by a force of Spartans, Syracuse was able to...


  • TITLE: Segesta (ancient city, Italy)


  • TITLE: Syracuse (Italy)
role of


  • TITLE: Alcibiades (Athenian politician and general)
    ...restored his reputation by entering seven chariots at Olympia and taking first, second, and fourth places. This made it easier for him, in 415, to persuade the Athenians to send a major military expedition to Sicily against the city of Syracuse. He was appointed to share the command, but, shortly before the expedition was due to sail, the hermae (busts of Hermes, messenger of Zeus and patron...


  • TITLE: Demosthenes (Greek general)
    In 424 Demosthenes made an abortive attack on Megara and launched an unsuccessful invasion of Boeotia. In 413 he was sent to reinforce the general Nicias during the Athenian siege of Syracuse. Failing in a night attack on the high ground overlooking the city, Demosthenes advised immediate retreat but was overruled by Nicias. When the retreat finally began, the division under Demosthenes fell...


  • TITLE: Nicias (Greek general)