# Phormio — History of the Peloponnesian War character guide

> Phormio in History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides.

**Role:** supporting

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

## Snapshot

A veteran Athenian admiral whose small squadron repeatedly outmaneuvered larger Peloponnesian fleets, proving that seamanship could trump numbers in the war's early rounds.

## Who they are

Phormio commands the Athenian naval station in the Corinthian Gulf, where he is outnumbered but never outfought, using cramped waters and disciplined rowing to humble Spartan commanders. His cool professionalism contrasts with the improvisation and political meddling that plague other Athenian officers. His victories help sustain Athens through the war's first phase and show why Thucydides rates naval skill as the empire's true foundation.

## In the story

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

Commands Athenian naval forces in the Gulf of Corinth.

### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/vii)

Sent by the Athenians to Naupactus with twenty ships to guard against Peloponnesian movements.

### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/chapters/viii)

Athenian commander who returns from Acarnania to Naupactus and later leads a winter expedition into Acarnania, restoring Cynes to Coronta.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/history_of_the_peloponnesian_war_se/characters/phormio
- 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