History of the Peloponnesian War · Character

Lamachus

Hard-edged Athenian general whose blunt counsel for immediate battle in Sicily sets him against the more cautious and politically ambitious Nicias.

supporting

First appearance: book i

As a supporting figure in History of the Peloponnesian War, Lamachus is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Athenian commander who sails into the Pontus but loses his ships in the river Calex; marches overland to Chalcedon.

In the storyXIV: Eighth and Ninth Years of the War — Invasion of Boeotia — Fall of Amphipolis — Brilliant Successes of BrasidasOpen this moment free

Lamachus is the soldier's soldier among the three commanders sent to Sicily, urging swift action while his colleagues dither over strategy and reputation. His willingness to risk everything for a decisive stroke contrasts sharply with Nicias's hesitancy and Alcibiades's self-interest. His presence sharpens the expedition's central tragedy: that boldness and caution could not be reconciled in time.

See Lamachus in XIV: Eighth and Ninth Years of the War — Invasion of Boeotia — Fall of Amphipolis — Brilliant Successes of Brasidas Book page

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Character Web

10 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Diverse Figures of the War
Protagonist
Acarnanian Campaign Commanders
Spartan and Athenian Leaders

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This excerpt marks the dramatic climax because it captures the Athenians' fateful psychological peak of hubris…

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In the story

Lamachus appears across 4 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

XIV: Eighth and Ninth Years of the War — Invasion of Boeotia — Fall of Amphipolis — Brilliant Successes of Brasidas
Athenian commander who sails into the Pontus but loses his ships in the river Calex; marches overland to Chalcedon.
The Peace of Nicias and the End of the First War
Listed among the Athenian officials who swear the oaths for the treaty and the subsequent alliance.
Book VI
Athenian general appointed as one of the commanders of the Sicilian Expedition; advocates for an immediate attack on Syracuse.
XIX
Advocates an immediate attack on Syracuse while the city is unprepared, but ultimately supports Alcibiades' plan.

Chapter companion notes

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See Lamachus in book i

See Lamachus in XIV: Eighth and Ninth Years of the War — Invasion of Boeotia — Fall of Amphipolis — Brilliant Successes of Brasidas