When the Spartans surrendered in bricks

Between 431 and 404 BC, Sparta was the principal enemy of Athens during the Peloponnesian War. Mpyromaxos has created a particular battle from this war, the Battle of Sphacteria, when a  small force from the Spartan army was isolated on the island of Sphacteria by the Athenians. The scene depicts the Athenian forces landing on the island after a surprise attack which included a risky move to attack the Spartans from the rear, thus forcing their surrender. The main focus of this build is on the land-based action so I rather like the way that only the front portion of the Athenian’s ship is included with some  sea spilling over the edge of the build.

Battle of Sphacteria 425 BC

On the left of the diorama, Mpyromaxos has included the Temple of Athena and statues of gods Dioscures, Kastor, and Polydeuces, who were all worshipped by the Spartans. The close-up view below shows some of the battle enfolding.  I love the little arrow stuck in the wall of the Spartan fortifications.

Battle of Sphacteria 425 BC

If you want to see more close-up views of the action, the builder has an album on Flickr, entitled Battle of Sphacteria.

2 comments on “When the Spartans surrendered in bricks

  1. Elspeth De Montes Post author

    Hi John, yes I know this but I realise I should have said “Dioscures; Kastor, and Polydeuces”. It’s a typo as the first comma should have been a semi-colon. My Classics teacher would have been pleased but sadly my English teacher is shaking her head ;-)

    What do you think of Mpyromaxos’ build?

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