Dercylidas

Dercylidas (Greek: Δερκυλίδας) was a Spartan commander during the late 5th and early 4th century BCE. He was nicknamed Sisyphus for his cunning and inventiveness. In 411 BCE, he was appointed harmost at Abydos in the Hellespont. In 399 BCE, he was told by Antisthenes of Sparta that his command would be prolonged for another year at least. From 399 BCE to 397 BCE, Dercylidas succeeded Thibron as commander of the army that was sent to support the Ionian Greeks against the Persians. He led the Spartans through Thrace to the west coast of Asia, where he plundered Bithynia and Eolia. After allying himself with Tissaphernes and Meidias, Dercylidas attacked Pharnabazus. In 396 BCE, Spartan king Agesilaus sent Dercylidas from Amphipolis to the Hellespont. In 394 BCE, Dercylidas was himself succeeded by King Agesilaus as supreme commander of the Spartan forces in Asia-Minor.