Message:

<p>[QUOTE=&quot;Salaethus, post: 4039696, member: 109856&quot;]Those very well acquainted with the Peloponnesian war might recognize my avatar name, though even then, you may draw a blank since the man is only recorded in the role he played during the Mytilenian revolt. Salaethus was a Spartan emissary and general who was smuggled into Mytilene c. 427 BC, where he took command of the besieged city&#039;s defenses. Since Peloponnesian reinforcements were delayed and not able to arrive in time, and with the situation in the city reaching its breaking point, Salaethus decided to gamble in an attempt to breakout from the siege. Hoplite arms and armor were distributed to the commoners, who were up to that point only ever armed as light troops. Not long after receiving the arms, the populace refused to obey orders and demanded that the remaining food stores be distributed among them, threatening to make terms with the Athenians on their own otherwise. Knowing the siege was lost, and hoping to play a part in the negotiations, Salaethus and the Mytilene government then surrendered the city. The last mention of Salaethus in Thucydides&#039; history is that he was condemned for being a key agent in the Mytilene revolt and was put to death by order of the Athenian assembly. I love Thucydides&#039; history and the Mytilenian debate is in my opinion one of the most compelling, eloquent perspectives of ancient Greek warfare and politics. Salaethus is also a bit of a play on my last name. Here&#039;s a coin from Mytilene (not my coin)[ATTACH=full]1060457[/ATTACH][/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>

Your name or email address:

Do you already have an account?

• No, create an account now.
• Yes, my password is:
• Forgot your password?

Stay logged in