The population of
Amphipolis consisted almost entirely of men of mixed or foreign
descent, who were anxious about their properties, and in fear for
their friends, while the few Athenian residents were alarmed for their
own safety, having little hope of prompt succour. Taking advantage of
this state of public feeling, the politic Spartan issued a
proclamation, pledging him to respect the rights and property of all
who chose to remain; while those who preferred to withdraw were
allowed five days to take away their goods. This tempting offer
produced the desired effect. It was in vain that the Athenian governor
interposed his authority, and strove to uphold the imperial claims of
Athens. The people threatened to rise in mutiny against him, and when
the partisans of Brasidas, now grown bold, openly moved a resolution
to accept his conditions, the proposal was carried, and the Spartan
general marched unopposed into the town.
Late on the same day Thucydides sailed into the harbour of Eion, the
port of Amphipolis, and learning that Brasidas was already in
possession of the inland city, took all necessary precautions to
provide against an immediate attack. He was only just in time; for on
the very next day Brasidas carried his troops down the river on a
flotilla of boats, and tried to establish himself in a strong
position, commanding the mouth of the river, and at the same time sent
a storming party to make an assault on the land side.
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