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Relations Between Greek States and Non-Greek States, 492–404 BC

The Sicilian Expedition and the occupation of Decelea, 415–413 BC

  • 2 things to know
  • Component Group 1

Overview

Recall questions on Egesta's appeal and Athenian aims in Sicily, Nicias' advice, the joint command of Nicias, Alcibiades and Lamachus, the mutilation of the herms, the recall of Alcibiades, Gylippus at Syracuse, the eclipse and the final disaster, and the occupation of Decelea.

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Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Key term

Explain why the occupation of Decelea hurt Athens far more than the earlier invasions.

Key term

What immediate appeal led Athens to send a fleet to Sicily in 415 BC?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    What immediate appeal led Athens to send a fleet to Sicily in 415 BC?

    Model answer

    Egesta asked for help against Selinus and Syracuse, and promised to pay for the expedition.

  2. 2

    What did Athens hope to gain in Sicily?

    Model answer

    The aim was to control the island's grain and resources and cut off western support for the Peloponnesians, and some Athenians hoped for outright conquest beyond that.

  3. 3

    What advice did Nicias give about the Sicilian Expedition, and what was the effect?

    Model answer

    He opposed it and then tried to frighten the assembly off by demanding an enormous force, but the Athenians voted him the force instead of dropping the plan.

  4. 4

    Who were appointed to command the Sicilian Expedition?

    Model answer

    Nicias, Alcibiades and Lamachus were appointed as joint commanders.

  5. 5

    Explain why joint command proved a weakness in Sicily.

    Model answer

    The three disagreed on strategy from the outset, and once Alcibiades was recalled and Lamachus killed the campaign was left to the one man who had argued against it.

  6. 6

    What religious scandal disrupted the expedition before it sailed?

    Model answer

    The stone herms across the city were mutilated overnight, and the enquiry that followed also implicated Alcibiades in the profaning of sacred rites.

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