Early interference of the Athenians with the concerns of the Sicilian Greeks.--A fleet and army under the command of Nicias, Lamachus, and Alcibiades, sent against Sicily, 415.--Accusation, recall, and flight of Alcibiades to Sparta: formal rupture of the peace by an inroad of the Spartans into Attica, where they fortify Decelea, 414. Unsuccessful siege of Syracuse, 414; and total annihilation of the Athenian fleet and army by the assistance of the Spartans under Gylippus, 413. 23. Fatal as in the present circumstances the blow struck in Sicily must appear to have been to Athens, yet the calamity was surmounted by Athenian enthusiasm, never greater than in times of misfortune. They maintained their supremacy over the confederates; but the part which Alcibiades, in consequence of the new posture his own personal interest had assumed at Sparta, took in their affairs, brought about a twofold domestic revolution, which checked the licentious democracy. Alliance of the Spartans with the Persians, and indecisive engagement off Miletus--Flight of Alcibiades from Sparta to Tissaphernes; his negotiations to gain the satrap over to the interests of Athens, 411.--Equivocal policy of Tissaphernes.--Negotiations of Alcibiades with the chiefs of the Athenian army at Samos, and the consequent revolution at Athens, and overthrow of the democracy by the appointment of the supreme council of four hundred in place of the [Greek: boule], and of a committee of five thousand citizens in place of the popular assembly, 411.--The army assumes the right of debate; names Alcibiades to be its leader; but declares again for democracy.--Great commotions at Athens in consequence of the discomfiture of the fleet at Eretria, and the secession of Euboea. Deposition of the college of four hundred, after a despotic rule of four months;--Reformation of the government;--Transfer of the highest power to the hands of the five thousand;--Recall of Alcibiades, and reconciliation with the army. 24. Brilliant period of Alcibiades's command. The reiterated naval victories won by the Athenians over the Spartans under Mindarus, who, mistrusting Tissaphernes, now forms an alliance with Pharnabazus, satrap of the north of Asia Minor, oblige the Spartans to propose peace, which haughty Athens, unluckily for herself, rejects. Two naval engagements on the Hellespont, 411.--Great victory by sea and land won near Cyzicus, 410.--Confirmation of the Athenian dominion over Ionia and Thrace by the capture of Byzantium, 480. Alcibiades returns covered with glory; but in the same year is deposed, and submits to a voluntary exile, 407.