How a single act of bribery decided the fate of the Messenians in 682 BC
In the heat of the Second Messenian War, a pivotal clash known as the Battle of the Great Foss turned on a hidden betrayal. Rather than martial prowess, the outcome was sealed by a calculated bribe that left an entire army vulnerable to slaughter at the very moment combat began.
The Battle of the Great Foss took place in 682 BC, serving as a significant engagement within the broader Second Messenian War, which spanned from 685 BC to 668 BC. The name itself is derived from the Latin term fossa, which translates to a trench or ditch, suggesting the physical setting of the conflict. While battles are often remembered for their tactical maneuvers or the bravery of soldiers, historical accounts from Pausanias indicate that this specific confrontation was decided through deliberate deception rather than traditional military strength.
The turning point occurred when the Spartans successfully bribed Aristocrates of Orchomenus, who served as the king of the Arcadians. As the battle commenced, Aristocrates ordered his forces to withdraw from the field. This sudden desertion left the Messenian army exposed and unsupported, leading directly to their widespread slaughter. The betrayal was not merely a tactical maneuver but a profound breach of trust that fundamentally altered the trajectory of the war.
The consequences for the traitor were severe and final. Following the revelation of his actions, Aristocrates faced the wrath of his own people. The Arcadians, outraged by his treachery, condemned him to death, ultimately executing him by stoning. This event serves as a stark reminder of how political maneuvering and the corruption of leadership can override the efforts of soldiers on the front lines, leaving a lasting mark on the history of ancient Greek warfare as documented in historical compendiums like those by John Drogo Montagu.
Source: Battle of the Great Foss
