The Siege of Syracuse

The Siege of Syracuse (415–413 BC) was a major military battle during the Peloponnesian War, where Athens attempted to conquer the city of Syracuse in Sicily. The Athenians aimed to expand their influence, but the Syracusans, supported by their allies, resisted fiercely. Despite initial successes, the Athenians were overwhelmed by strategic mistakes, strong Syracusan defenses, and help from Sparta. The siege ended with a disastrous Athenian defeat, resulting in the loss of most of their fleet and thousands of soldiers. This failure significantly weakened Athens and shifted power balance in the ancient Greek world.