General Gylippus
Gylippus
Sparta
General
5th Century BC
Background
Son of Cleandridas, Gylippus’ Spartan training was superior to the typical Spartan man. While little is understood of Gylippus’ early career, it is believed he fought in the Archidamian War, Phase I of the True Peloponnesian War.
Peloponnesian War Contribution
Having finally earned the title of Spartan General shortly before the Siege of Syracuse (413 BC), Gylippus would lead the charge against Athens and its general, Nicias, in which Sparta claimed victory at the Siege of Syracuse and obliterated the Athenian fleet along with its army. Gylippus’ actions were pivotal in leading into Phase III of the True Peloponnesian War, the Ionian War.