Battle of Tanagra (457 BC) facts for kids

The Battle of Tanagra was an important land battle in ancient Greece. It happened in Boeotia in 457 BC. This battle was part of the First Peloponnesian War, a big conflict between two powerful Greek city-states: Athens and Sparta. Athens was led by Myronides and had about 14,000 soldiers. Sparta was led by Nicomedes and had around 11,500 soldiers. Both sides lost many fighters, but Sparta eventually won this battle.

A map showing Boeotia in ancient Greece.

Why Athens and Sparta Fought: The Background Story

Before this battle, during the Persian Wars, Sparta led a group of allies called the Peloponnesian League. This league became very powerful. Over time, the Peloponnesian League started to worry about the growing strength of the Athenian Empire. The relationship between these two powerful groups became difficult due to disagreements and demands.

Rebuilding Walls and Growing Mistrust

In 478 BC, Sparta suggested that Athens and other Greek cities should not rebuild their city walls. Sparta wanted to prevent any future Persian invaders from having a strong base. However, Athens suspected Sparta had other reasons for this request. Athens had already started rebuilding its walls. To gain time, Athens used a clever trick. They delayed sending their politician, Themistocles, to Lacedaemon. By the time Themistocles told Sparta about the plans, Athens' Long Walls were almost finished.

A map showing the Long Walls that protected Athens.

A Rejected Alliance and Rising Tensions

Later, in 464 BC, Sparta faced a rebellion by a group called the Helots. Sparta asked Athens and its other allies for help. Athens sent a large force, led by Cimon, to assist Sparta. However, Sparta became suspicious. They worried that the Athenians might secretly help the Helots. Because of this, Sparta sent the Athenian forces away. This action deeply offended and embarrassed Athens. As a result, Athens ended its alliance with Sparta.

In 458 BC, Athens began building the Long Walls. These were strong defensive structures that connected the city to its port, Piraeus. These walls allowed Athenians to avoid battles if needed. They could also retreat safely without worrying about losing their supplies from the sea.

The Battle Unfolds: What Happened at Tanagra

Sparta's March and Athens' Concerns

Cimon before the battle of Tanagra, 457 BC

The conflict began when people from Phocis attacked cities in Doris. Doris was considered the traditional home of the Dorians, a group of Greeks. Sparta, being Dorian, sent a rescue force to help Doris. This force was led by Nicomedes, who was acting as a temporary leader for the young King Pleistoanax. About 1,500 Spartan soldiers and 10,000 of their allies marched into Boeotia. They forced Phocis to stop fighting.

Athens was already upset with Sparta. They also suspected Sparta was secretly talking with groups inside Athens. Athens believed Sparta wanted to weaken its democratic government and stop the building of the Long Walls. So, Athens tried to trap the Spartan army in Boeotia.

The Athenian politician and general Cimon, who was living in exile, tried to help Athens with his own soldiers. However, the Athenian government, called the Council of 500, turned him away. They feared his presence might cause problems within the Athenian army.

The Clash of Armies

The Spartan army faced a difficult choice. They could try to travel by sea through the Corinthian Gulf, but the Athenian navy controlled those waters. Or, they could march through the tough Geraneia mountain passes, which were guarded by Athenian soldiers from Megara. The Spartans decided to wait. They hoped for a safe way home or for Athens to attack them directly.

An old map showing the area around Tanagra.

The battle finally took place at Tanagra. The Athenian forces, numbering 14,000, along with 1,000 allies from Argos, met the Spartan army. Sparta had 11,500 soldiers, including 1,500 Spartans and 10,000 allied Hoplites. We don't have many details about the battle itself.

Both the Spartans and Athenians reported heavy losses. Sparta claimed victory in this battle. After their win, they were able to return home through the mountain passes of the Isthmus. On their way, they cut down fruit trees as they passed through the Megarid region.

After the Battle: What Changed for Athens and Sparta

Just 62 days after the Battle of Tanagra, the Athenians regrouped. Under the command of Myronides, they defeated Thebes at the Battle of Oenophyta. This victory gave Athens control over Boeotia. They tore down the wall the Spartans had built there. Athens also took 100 wealthy men from Opuntian Locris as hostages. With this success, Athens also took control of Phocis and Opuntian Locris, which were involved in the original conflict.

Years after the Battle of Tanagra, Cimon was called back from exile. He had special connections with both Sparta and Athens. Because of these connections, Cimon helped to arrange a five-year peace treaty between the two powerful city-states.