Sicilian Expedition

The Sicilian Expedition (415-413 BCE) was a major military campaign during the Peloponnesian War, where Athens aimed to expand its influence by invading Sicily, particularly the city of Syracuse. Driven by ambition and the belief that Sicily would be an easy conquest, Athens sent a large fleet and army. However, poor planning, overconfidence, and strong resistance from Syracuse led to disastrous defeats. The expedition ultimately resulted in the loss of a significant portion of Athens' navy and troops, weakening Athens and shifting the balance of power in the war against Sparta and its allies.