The Landmark Thucydides 7.1 To 7.87

The unusual aspect of the harbor battle was that it was incredibly crowded, resembling a land battle fought at sea. This suggests that there were a large number of ships involved in the battle, resulting in a congested and chaotic environment. This would have made it difficult for the Athenians to maneuver their ships effectively and escape from Syracuse.

Reinforced prows were the technological innovation that helped the inexperienced Syracusan navy defeat the superior Athenian ships. By reinforcing the front of their ships, the Syracusans were able to ram into the Athenian ships, causing significant damage and disabling them. This tactic allowed the Syracusans to overcome the Athenians' superior numbers and experience, ultimately leading to their victory. Greek fire, catapults, and boarding corvus were not mentioned as factors in the Syracusan navy's success.

The purpose of yet another Spartan invasion of Attica in the summer of 413 was to force the Athenians to fight a two-front war. By invading Attica, the Spartans aimed to put pressure on Athens from both land and sea, thereby stretching their resources and making it more difficult for them to defend themselves. This strategy would weaken the Athenians and increase the chances of the Spartans achieving victory in the war.

The Syracusans were losing hope and discussing surrender in the second year of the Athenian invasion because the Athenians were close to completing their siege walls. This meant that the Syracusans would be completely cut off from any outside help or supplies, making it increasingly difficult for them to defend their city. Without the ability to receive reinforcements or resources, their chances of victory became slim, leading to a loss of hope and consideration of surrender.

Nicias recommended withdrawal from Sicily in the winter because his forces were besieged from the land side due to the arrival of the Peloponnesian fleet and the construction of a counterwall. This meant that they were trapped and surrounded, making it difficult for them to continue the campaign.

The Peloponnesians managed to get Gylippus's army to Sicily despite Athenian naval superiority by using a diversion tactic. They sent 25 Corinthian triremes to distract the Athenian ships, keeping them occupied and unable to prevent the arrival of Gylippus's army. This allowed the Peloponnesians to successfully transport their forces to Sicily without being hindered by the Athenians.

Nicias rejected Demosthenes's advice to withdraw following the defeat at Epipolae because he feared returning to Athens in defeat. This suggests that Nicias was concerned about the negative consequences and potential backlash he would face from the Athenian public if he returned without a victory. He may have believed that staying in Syracuse and continuing the fight would be a better option than facing the humiliation of admitting defeat to his fellow citizens.

Demosthenes elected to attack with his reinforcements as soon as he arrived because he knew that his position would only weaken with time. This suggests that he understood the importance of acting quickly in order to maintain a strategic advantage. By attacking immediately, he could prevent his position from becoming more vulnerable and potentially turn the tide of the battle in his favor. Delaying the attack would have allowed the enemy to strengthen their defenses and potentially overpower his forces.

The mixed results at the battle of Plemmyrium were a major success for the Syracusan-Peloponnesian alliance because they were able to replace their lost ships more easily than the Athenians could replace their lost troops, stores, and equipment. This gave the alliance a strategic advantage as they could quickly rebuild their naval forces and continue their resistance against Athens. Additionally, the difficulty faced by the Athenians in replenishing their troops and supplies weakened their position and made them more vulnerable to future attacks.

The closure of the Great Harbor sealed the fate of the Athenians at Syracuse because it prevented their fleet from escaping and receiving supplies or reinforcements. This effectively trapped the Athenians and made it impossible for them to continue the siege or retreat. Without access to the harbor, their situation became increasingly desperate, leading to their eventual defeat and surrender.