Battle of Lechaeum

BelligerentsAthensSpartaCommanders and leadersIphicrates UnknownStrength Unknown, but force composed almost entirely of peltasts. 600 hoplitesCasualties and losses Minimal 250 killed This battle marked the first occasion in Greek history where a force composed primarily of light troops defeated a hoplite force.

The Battle of Lechaeum (391 BC) was fought between the Athenians and the Spartans during the Corinthian War; it ended in an Athenian victory. During the battle, the Athenian general Iphicrates took advantage of the situation when a Spartanhoplite regiment operating near Corinth was marching through open terrain without the protection of any missile throwing troops. He decided to ambush it with his force of javelin throwers, or peltasts. By launching repeated hit-and-run attacks against the Spartan formation, Iphicrates and his men were able to wear the Spartans down, eventually routing them and killing just under half. This marked one of the first occasions in Greek military history in which a force of peltasts had defeated a force of hoplite heavy infantry.