Syracusan Expedition

The Syracusan Expedition was a military campaign in 415–413 BC during the Peloponnesian War, where Athens launched an ambitious assault on the city of Syracuse in Sicily. Athenian forces aimed to expand their influence but faced tough resistance, logistical challenges, and overconfidence. Despite initial successes, the campaign ultimately ended in a disastrous defeat for Athens, with most of their army destroyed. This failure weakened Athens significantly and marked a turning point in the war, highlighting the risks of overextension and the importance of strategic planning in ancient warfare.