One blow from the long lance-
like point, propelled by the whole weight and impetus of the trireme,
was sufficient to sink or disable an enemy's ship, and the attacking
galley was then backed away from the wreck, and directed against
another victim.
The incessant practice of nearly half a century had enabled the
Athenians to attain consummate mastery in this new method of naval
warfare; and they were now to give signal proof of their immense
superiority over the other maritime powers of Greece.
In the same summer which witnessed the investment of Plataea, the
Spartans planned an expedition against Acarnania, the westernmost
province of Greece, which they wished to detach from the Athenian
alliance. A Spartan officer, named Cnemus, was sent off in advance,
with a thousand hoplites, to raise the wild mountain tribes, and led
an attack against Stratus, the capital of Acarnania; and in the
meantime orders were sent round to equip a numerous fleet, which was
to support the operations of Stratus by harassing the coast districts.
The attack on Stratus failed altogether, chiefly in consequence of the
impetuosity of the rude mountaineers serving under Cnemus, who
advanced unsupported against the town, and meeting with a severe
repulse embarrassed the movements of their Greek allies.
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