The Messenian War, which took place in 740 BC, was a war between Messenians and Spartans in the southwest of Peloponnesus.
Messenia is a rich city-state in the west of Sparta, which was established almost at the same time as Sparta, but the people of this city-state did not advocate military struggle like Sparta, and they were good at developing economy and agriculture.
By the 8th century BC, Messenia had developed into a treasure trove of geomantic omen, and the people lived in peace and contentment, living a paradise-like life.
At this time, Sparta used military power to make expeditions everywhere.
In 740 BC, Sparta went to war with the Kingdom of Ragogna. In order to expand the rear strength and plunder slaves and wealth, Sparta launched a plan to invade Messenia.
This large-scale war is divided into three times.
The first Messenian War took place in 740-720 BC (743-724 BC).
Sparta suddenly invaded and dispatched troops on the pretext of border conflict, and Messenia rose to challenge.
Spartan troops could not attack cities, but invaded the countryside and plundered livestock and food.
Three years later, the Mei Sen people launched a counterattack, and the two sides fought fiercely for many times, each winning or losing.
In the 13 year of the war, Mycenae chose a brave king, which dealt a heavy blow to Sparta.
However, the Sri Lankan army is brave and tenacious and is good at fighting tough battles. Messenia was exhausted and famine prevailed. Finally, the king committed suicide, was defeated, and a large area of land fell into the hands of Sparta.
However, the Messenians refused to give in. Sixty years later, they held an armed uprising against Spartan slavery, which turned into the second Messenian War.
The Second Messenian War took place in 660- 645 BC (685-668 BC), and the Messenians launched an uprising under the leadership of Aristotle.
Aristotle was an outstanding young leader, who was elected king by the masses, but he only accepted the position of general instead of the throne.
He allied himself with some towns in Acadia and defeated the Spartans many times.
Seeing that the Spartans couldn't win, they secretly bought off the leaders of the Acadians and disintegrated the alliance between Messenians and Acadians.
After the defeat, Aristotle led the remnants to retreat to Mount Ella.
After more than ten years, he led the people of Mei Sen to attack Sparta many times, but all failed.
After the Second Messenian War, the land of Messenia was completely occupied by Spartans, all the land of Messenia was completely occupied by Spartans, and all the Messenians became slaves of Sparta.
With the help of the rich land of Messenia, Sparta finally became the overlord of the Peloponnesus.
The third Messenian War took place from 464 BC to 453 BC (464 BC to 455 BC), which was the largest slave uprising in ancient Greek history.
In 464 BC, a major earthquake broke out in Sparta, killing more than 20,000 people in the city.
The news reached the ears of Messenians, who soon joined forces with Herodotus and took advantage of this opportunity to launch a large-scale war. ?
The Spartans were helpless and had to turn to the Peloponnesian League for help.
Under the joint suppression of the Peloponnesian League, the people of Mei Sen failed again, but they still persisted in their struggle. 10 years later, the Spartans were finally forced to yield and agreed that the people of Mei Sen would be separated from their rule.
The Messenian War ended with a limited victory for the Messenians. Later, the Mei Sen people moved to the northern end of Sicily, Italy, and established the present Messina.
The Messenian War was a great struggle for ancient Greek slaves to resist the oppression of slave owners and seek their own liberation. It lasted for three centuries and showed the fearless heroism of the Messinians.