| |
The battle of Chios (357 or 356 BC) was the first fighting during the
Social War, and saw the
rebels defeat an Athenian land and sea attack on the island. The Social War was
triggered by the refusal of Chios to pay its annual contribution to the
Athenian League. Chios, Rhodes and Byzantium were at the heart of the revolt,
joined by Cos, and supported by Mausolus, satrap of Caria. The rebels
concentrated their forces at Chios, a sizable island off the west coast of Asia
Minor, and the nearest of the rebel states to Athens. The Athenians also
decided to deal with Chios first.
Chares and
Chabrias were give command
of the army and fleet that was sent to deal with the revolt (Cornelius
Nepos provides a different version, in which
Chabrias was present in a private capacity, but ended up with more influence
than the real commanders). They arrived at Chios after the allies, and decided
to attack. The army, under Chares, was landed on the island, while Chabrias
commanded the fleet. Diodorus hints at a siege followed by a unsuccessful
assault on the city, although it is possible that the assault was made
immediately after the Athenians arrived. The plan was for a two pronged
assault. Chabrias was to lead the fleet into the harbour, where he would attack
the Allied fleet. Chares would attack from the land. Chabrias was soon caught
up in a fierce naval battle. His ship was rammed, and probably immobilised. He
may have got ahead of the rest of the fleet, as the other ships withdrew
intact. According to Diodorus Chabrias chose to fight on, and died of his
wounds. Cornelius Nepos has Chabrias dashing ahead of the rest of the fleet as
he wanted to be the first into the harbour. He was then surrounded, and chose
to fight to the death rather than swim to safety. As Chares advanced towards
the wall, the defenders sortied from the city and a battle took place outside
the walls. Diodorus gives no further details of this battle,
|
|
