Brasidas (d. 422 BCE) was an enterprising and successful Spartan general during the early years of the second Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE) between Athens and Sparta. His successes against the Athenians tilted the balance of the war back towards the Spartans after their disaster at Pylos (425 BCE). Brasidas encouraged a number of revolts against Athens and detached a number of cities, including the important city of Amphipolis, from the Athenian Empire. At the Battle of Amphipolis in 422 BCE he defeated an Athenian army led by Cleon; however, both generals died in the fighting. He was also responsible for Thucydides' change of career from general to historian.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original definition at https://www.worldhistory.org/Brasidas/.
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- Do you think Brasidas was a better soldier or a better speaker?
- Why do you think so many cities chose to revolt after Brasidas arrived?
- Was Brasidas more important to Sparta in life or in death?
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