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The Battle of Idomene was a battle in the
Peloponnesian War in 426, between the Athenians and the
Ambracians. The
Ambracians, who were allies of the Spartans, had sent a relief force to help
the army that had invaded Amphilochia previously.
Unbeknownst to the Ambracians, the first army had been defeated, surrounded and
scattered by the allied Athenians, Amphilochians and Acarnanians the day
before. The Ambracians, unaware of the incoming Athenian army, camped on the
lower of two steep hills.
Demosthenes, the Athenian commander, occupied the higher hill, obtaining a
strategic advantage. Before dawn, while the Ambracians were still asleep, they
were attacked and destroyed by the Athenians. Overall, the Ambraciots lost
about 1,000 men over the two battles. Thucydides describes this disaster as:
"The greatest disaster to strike a single city in an equal number of days
in this war."
Opponents:
Athens versus Ambracia
Commanders and leaders:
Athens - Demosthenes
Ambracia -Unknown
Strength:
Athens - 7,000
Ambracia - 6,000
Casualties and losses:
Athens - 400
Ambracia -1,000
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