The two
armies confronted each other for a moment at Methydrium, in Arcadia;
but Agis succeeded in avoiding an engagement, and breaking up his camp
under cover of darkness pushed on to Phlius. Thereupon the Argives,
who were accompanied by their allies from Mantinea and Elis, returned
in haste to Argos, and then, marching northwards, took up their
position at Nemea, which commanded the ordinary route from Phlius to
the Argive territory. But they were again outmanoeuvred by the skilful
dispositions of Agis. Avoiding the road by Nemea, which led through a
narrow and dangerous pass, he led his Spartans over the mountains and
descended into the plain which surrounds the city of Argos. One
contingent of his allies had orders to proceed in the same direction
by another mountain-path, while the Boeotians, who numbered no less
than ten thousand infantry, and five hundred cavalry, were directed to
take the high road by Nemea; for Agis expected that by threatening the
cultivated lands around Argos he would draw the Argives from their
position, and bring them down in haste to the defence of their
estates.
The plan was completely successful. As soon as the Argives learnt that
Agis was ravaging their fields they set out with all speed towards
Argos, and finding Agis engaged in the work of pillage, they drew up
their forces, and offered battle.
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