The Speech of Pagondas (Thuk. 4.92) and the Sources on the Battle of Delion

Abstract

Summary This paper concentrates on the literary sources of the battle of Delion (424 BCE) and reopens the debate on the relevance of Euripides’ Supplices for the narrative of this event. Thucydides is read with a particular focus on the speech of Pagondas (4.92), which can be understood through the current reconstruction of the history of Boiotia in the latter half of the fifth century BCE. Finally, Diodorus (12.69–70) is considered as a useful source for a few pieces of information on the aftermath of the battle that have previously been disregarded.