The Amphipolitans had a bitter and jealous enemy in the neighbouring
town of Argilus, situated a few miles to the west, on the road to
Amphipolis; and ever since the appearance of Brasidas in Thrace the
Argilians had been plotting against the tranquillity of their hated
rival. Accordingly, when Brasidas, who had planned a surprise on
Amphipolis, appeared before their gates, they welcomed him eagerly,
and conducted him and his army to the bridge over the Strymon, which
crossed the river just outside the southern end of the city wall. The
defenders of the bridge, few in number, and taken unawares, were
instantly cut to pieces; for Brasidas came upon them before daybreak,
and the weather, which was wintry and inclement, favoured his design.
The farms and country-houses of the Amphipolitans, which occupied an
extensive district on the eastern side of the city, now lay at the
mercy of Brasidas, and after choosing a position for his camp, he
began to overrun the country. For those who were responsible for the
safety of Amphipolis had taken no precautions, though they knew that
this daring and active enemy had been carrying on a campaign for many
weeks in the adjacent parts of Thrace. Consequently, a good number of
the citizens, who were attending to the business of their estates,
fell into his hands, and it is not improbable that, if he had made a
sudden assault on the city, he would have captured it on the same day.
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