Battle of Delium, 424 BC: Athenian troops burned by enemy fire

The Battle of Delium was marked by the brutal fire tactics of Boeotia, causing the mighty Athenian army to disintegrate, opening a new and turbulent chapter in Greek history.

1. Occurred in the context of the Peloponnesian War. The Battle of Delium took place between the Athenian army and the Boeotian alliance led by Thebes, during the period when Athens expanded its influence on the mainland. Photo: Pinterest.

2. Special battle location. The battle took place near the temple of Apollo at Delium in Boeotia, giving the event a religious overtone. Photo: Pinterest.

3. The Athenian army captured Delium first. The Athenian army, led by general Hippocrates, occupied Delium and fortified the citadel before the great battle broke out. Photo: Pinterest.

4. The Boeotian army counterattacked fiercely. Boeotia under Pagondas mobilized a large force, using strong attack tactics to push back Athens. Photo: Pinterest.

5. Using primitive firearms. According to Thucydides, Boeotia used a primitive "fire-thrower" to burn down the wooden fortifications of Athens, which is considered a rare application of firearms in ancient times. Photo: Pinterest.

6. Socrates was in battle. The philosopher Socrates was present at the Battle of Delium as a hoplite, and is said to have saved his friends from the chaos. Photo: Pinterest.

7. Athens's heavy defeat. The Battle of Delium ended with the Athenian army losing heavily, with more than 1/3 of its soldiers killed or captured. Photo: Pinterest.

8. Lasting impact. The defeat at Delium weakened Athens' military position on land, while strengthening Thebes' leadership in the Boeotia region. Photo: Pinterest.

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