# Lamachus — History of the Peloponnesian War character guide

> Lamachus in History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0002-book-i

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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.

## In the story

### [XIV: Eighth and Ninth Years of the War — Invasion of Boeotia — Fall of Amphipolis — Brilliant Successes of Brasidas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/xiv)

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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/xv)

Listed among the Athenian officials who swear the oaths for the treaty and the subsequent alliance.

### [Book VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/book-vi)

Athenian general appointed as one of the commanders of the Sicilian Expedition; advocates for an immediate attack on Syracuse.

### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/xix)

Advocates an immediate attack on Syracuse while the city is unprepared, but ultimately supports Alcibiades' plan.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/characters/lamachus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/characters