Dercylidas

Also known as: Sisyphus · Family: Lacedaemonians · Role: general · First appears: Book 3, section 1, part 1/2

In Book 3, section 1, Dercylidas arrived at Ephesus to take command of Thibron’s army. He made terms with Tissaphernes and marched against Pharnabazus, saying he preferred to be at war with one of them at a time rather than both together. In Aeolid, he offered Pharnabazus peace or war, and Pharnabazus chose peace.

During the winter of 399–398, Seuthes sent Odrysian allies to join him in Bithynian Thrace. After Bithynians attacked a garrison, Dercylidas and his allies harried and burned the region through the winter. At Lampsacus, Aracus, Naubates, and Antisthenes told him his command had been extended for another year. He again offered Pharnabazus a truce or war, and Pharnabazus chose a truce. With spring, Dercylidas began building a wall across the Chersonese; it was finished before autumn, enclosing eleven cities. He later reduced Atarneus in eight months and appointed Draco of Pellene its commandant.

In 397, Dercylidas crossed into Caria, then recrossed the frontier when he learned the satraps had crossed the Maeander. Tissaphernes sought a conference rather than battle. Dercylidas demanded that the king grant independence to the Hellenic cities, while Tissaphernes and Pharnabazus demanded the Hellenic army leave the country and the Lacedaemonian governors withdraw from the cities; the sides then agreed to a truce while they reported the negotiations to their authorities.

Later, Dercylidas kept Abydos attached to Lacedaemon despite the sea-fight’s defeat, and the Abydenians welcomed ex-governors seeking refuge. At Sestos, he gathered landholders with ties to Lacedaemonian influence and welcomed governors driven out of European states.