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The siege of Delphinium in 406 was a minor
Peloponnesian success that came early in the command of Callicratidas, an
admiral who replaced the popular
Lysander in command of the
Peloponnesian fleet in Asia Minor (Great
Peloponnesian
War). Callicratidas took control of a fleet of 140 warships, including 50
newly provided by Sparta's allies, as well as the fleet recently commanded by
Lysander. Callicratidas' first target was the Athenian held fortress of
Delphinium, on Chios. Chios had been one of the first areas to rebel against
Athenian control after the disaster on Syracuse, and the Athenians had since
been unable to regain control of the island, but they had managed to blockade
it for some time.
Delphinium was defended by a garrison of 500 Athenians, far too small to
successfully defend the fortress against the entire Peloponnesian fleet. The
defenders soon realised this, and arranged to surrender the fortress on terms.
The garrison was allowed to march through the Peloponnesian lines and join
other Athenian forces. The fortress was levelled to the ground. Callicratidas
then moved on to attack Methymne on Lesbos, before clashing with the main
Athenian fleet under Conon and blockading them in Mitylene.
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