Battle of Rhium

Overview

The Battle of Rhium or the battle of Chalcis was a naval battle in the Peloponnesian War between an Athenian fleet commanded by Phormio and a Peloponnesian fleet composed of contingents from various states, each with its own commander. The battle came about when the Peloponnesian fleet, numbering 47 triremes, attempted to cross over to the northern shore of the Gulf of Patras to attack Acarnania in support of an offensive in northwestern Greece; Phormio's fleet attacked the Peloponnesians while they were making the crossing.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Significance

The Battle of Rhium was a naval engagement in the Peloponnesian War in which an Athenian fleet under Phormion intercepted a Peloponnesian fleet of 47 triremes attempting to cross the Gulf of Patras toward the northern shore. The Peloponnesian objective was to reach Acarnania in support of an offensive in northwestern Greece, a region Athens sought to deny to Spartan-led forces. By engaging the enemy fleet during the crossing, the Athenians disrupted that passage and the broader land offensive it was intended to support. The battle is also recorded as the Battle of Chalcis, reflecting some ambiguity in the ancient sources over its precise location.

Tactics

Commanders (1)