Battle of Notium facts for kids

The Battle of Notium was a major naval battle during the Peloponnesian War in 406 BC. It was fought near the ancient cities of Ephesus and Notium. In this battle, the Spartan navy won a victory against the Athenian fleet. This win was important because it led to the downfall of a famous Athenian commander, Alcibiades. It also showed that the Spartan leader, Lysander, was a very skilled naval commander.

How the Battle of Notium Began

Sparta Prepares for Naval Combat

In 407 BC, Lysander became the new commander of the Spartan fleet. This position was called a navarch. He sailed his ships across the Aegean Sea to Ephesus. There, he built more ships, increasing his fleet to 90 triremes. A trireme was a powerful ancient warship with three rows of oars.

Lysander also made friends with Cyrus, a Persian prince. Cyrus gave Lysander extra money to pay his Spartan sailors. This higher pay attracted many experienced rowers, even some who had previously worked for the Athenians. This made the Spartan fleet much stronger.

Athenian Fleet at Notium

The Athenian commander, Alcibiades, wanted to force a battle with Lysander. So, he moved his fleet to Notium. From there, he could keep a close watch on the Spartan ships in Ephesus. However, Lysander did not come out to fight.

Alcibiades then left with a few ships to help with a siege at Phocaea. He left most of his fleet, about 80 ships, at Notium. He put his helmsman, Antiochus, in charge. Antiochus was given a clear order: "Do not attack Lysander's ships."

The Battle Unfolds

Antiochus's Risky Plan

Antiochus decided not to follow Alcibiades's orders. He came up with a plan to trick the Spartans. He sailed out with just 10 triremes towards Ephesus. His idea was to make the Spartans chase his small group of ships. Then, the rest of the Athenian fleet would surprise them.

This plan was similar to one that had worked for the Athenians before. But this time, things were different.

Spartan Counterattack

As Antiochus's small force approached, the Spartans launched a sudden attack. Antiochus's ship was quickly sunk, and he was killed. The other nine Athenian ships were chased back towards Notium.

The main Athenian fleet at Notium was not ready for this sudden attack. The entire Spartan fleet arrived unexpectedly. In the fighting that followed, the Spartans captured 15 Athenian triremes. They also sank 7 more. The Spartans then returned to Ephesus, celebrating their unexpected victory. The Athenians regrouped at Notium.

What Happened After the Battle

Alcibiades's Downfall

When Alcibiades heard about the defeat, he quickly returned to Notium. He reinforced the fleet, making the numbers of ships roughly equal again. However, he could not get Lysander to come out and fight another battle.

The loss at Notium had a huge impact on Alcibiades's career. He had been given command with high hopes after a previous victory. But his decision to leave Antiochus in charge, which led to this defeat, gave his political rivals a chance to act. Alcibiades was removed from his position. He never returned to Athens and eventually left the war for good.

New Commanders and Future Battles

After Notium, both fleets got new commanders. Lysander's term as navarch ended, and Callicratidas took his place for Sparta. On the Athenian side, Conon became the new commander.

The fleets fought again in the next year. Callicratidas defeated the Athenians and trapped them in Mytilene. However, an Athenian relief fleet then won a big victory at Arginusae, where Callicratidas was killed.

These Athenian victories did not last long. In 405 BC, Lysander returned to command. He destroyed the Athenian fleet at the Battle of Aegospotami. This final battle ended the Peloponnesian War, with Sparta as the winner.

The Impact of Notium

The Battle of Notium itself was not the biggest battle in terms of ships lost. But it was very important for two main reasons. First, it launched the career of Lysander, who would go on to end the Athenian empire. Second, it ended the career of Alcibiades.

Historians also suggest that the battle's most important effect on the Athenian side was the removal of Thrasybulus from command. He was a talented leader who had helped plan many Athenian naval victories before.

So, while Notium was not the final battle, it had big political effects. It played a key role in deciding who would lead the forces of Athens and Sparta in the important battles that followed.