Battle of Idomene in 426 BC

The Battle of Idomene was a battle between Athenians and the Ambracians in 426 BC. The battle was a second victory in three days won by Demosthenes against the Ambraciots in the northwest of Greece.

Shortly after the battle of Olpae, Demosthenes learned of the approach of a large number of Ambraciots reinforcements and sent troops to occupy strong positions and roads along their route.

These men took command of the higher hill without the knowledge of the Ambraciots below. Demosthenes was now ready to use all the had learned about mountain fighting and unorthodox tactis.

He attacked Ambraciots just before dawn. Many Ambraciots were killed on the spot. The remainder fled in all directions among the neighboring mountains, none knowing the roads and the country. Many other perished in the unfamiliar land of Amphiloichia at the hands of locals who lay in ambush on the roads and other escape routes.
Battle of Idomene in 426 BC

Battle of Olpae in 426 BC

Olpae was a stronghold near Amphilochian Argos. The battle of Olpae (426 BC) was an Athenian victory that ended a Spartan campaign aimed at the conquest of Acarnania and Amphilochia.

In the winter of 426 BC the Ambraciots invaded Amphilochia and took Olpae. The Acarnanians hastened to the defense of Amphilochia and asked Demosthenes to come from Naupactus to join their central command.

It has been suggested that the Acarnanians were impressed with Demosthenes’ military skills. Soon after the arrival, Demosthenes took part in the battle of Olpae.

Demosthenes gave battle to the enemy between Olpae and Argos and by skillfully contrived ambuscade annulled the advantage which they had in superior numbers.

According to Thucydides, Demosthenes’, generalship was responsible for the major victory of the Acarnanian-Athenian force over the Ambraciot-Peloponnesian enemy.

The victory cost the conquerors about three hundred men. On the other side the loss was great; and Menedaius (Spartan), on whom the command devolved after the death of his colleagues, found himself reduced to the embarrassing alternative of sustaining a blockade both by land and sea.
Battle of Olpae in 426 BC