Page:History of Greece Vol VI.djvu/95

 ATHENS BEFORE THE PELOPONNESIAN WAR 73 lolaus. Aristeus posted his Corinthians and Potidoeaus on the isthmus near Potidaea, providing a market without the walls, in order that they might not stray in quest of provisions : his posi- tion was on the side towards Olynthus, which was about seven miles off, but within sight, and in a lofty and conspicuous situa- tion. He here awaited the approach of the Athenians, calculat- ing that the Chalkidians from Olynthus would, upon the hoisting of a given signal, assail them in the rear when they attacked him. But Kallias was strong enough to place in reserve his Macedonian cavalry and other allies as a check against Olynthus; while with his Athenians and the main force he marched to the isthmus and took position in front of Aristeus. In the battle which ensued, Aristeus and the chosen band of Corinthians im- mediately about him were completely successful, breaking the troops opposed to them, and pursuing for a considerable distance : but the remaining Potidaeans and Peloponnesians were routed by the Athenians and driven within the walls. On returning from pursuit, Aristeus found the victorious Athenians between him and Potidsea, and was reduced to the alternative either of cutting his way through them into the latter town, or of making a retreat- ing march to Olynthus. He chose the former as the least of two hazards, and forced his way through the flank of the Athenians, That excellent observer calculates the march, from Beroea on Mount Ber- mius to Potidaea, as being one of four days, about twenty miles each day. Judging by the map, this seems lower than the reality ; but admitting it to be correct, Thucydides would never describe such a march as /car' b"kiyov Se Trpoiov-ef Tpiraloi U(J>'LKOVTO If Tiyuvov : it would be a march rather rapid and fatiguing, especially as it would include the passage of the rivers. Nor is it likely, from the description of this battle in Thucydides (i, 62), that Gigonus could be anything like a full day's march from Potidasa. Ac- cording to his description, the Athenian army advanced by three very easy marches; then arriving at Gigonus, they encamp, being now near the enemy, who on their side are already encamped, expecting them, irpoa- roi)f 'A.dr]va.iovf karparoK edevovTO irp^f 'Ohvv&ov kv T$
 * the imperfect tense indicates that they were already there at the

time when the Athenians took camp at Gigonus ; which would hardly be the case if the Athenians had come by three successive marches from Beroea on Mount Bermius. I would add, that it is no more wonderful that there should be one Beroea in Thrace and another in Macedonia, than that there should be one Methone in Thrace and a lother in Macedonia (Steph. B. YOL. TI. 4