Battle of Mura Pregne (Athenian Legacy)

The Battle of Mura Pregne, was a major engagment in the First Syracusan War and the second largest battle of the entire war. Athens and Syracuse both brought the entirety of their regional forces to the battle, making it amongst the largest battles in Ancient Greece, with well over 30,000 soldiers engaged in fighting. The Battle ended with a decisive Athenian victory, despite very heavy casualties on both sides.

Background
Following a series of Syracusan Victory in the first year of the war, cultivating in the Syracusan Annexation of Himera, Athens launched a campaign to relieve their ally. After lack of progress, the Athenian General was replaced by the famour Greek soldier, Conon the Great. Conon denied any lack of discipline and marched his troops through the coldest winter in years, which had initially forced the Athenians to a halt.

After a Athenian victory against a smaller Syracusan force, the Athenian Assembly demanded that Conon continue his advance, and relieve Himera which had fallen several months earlier. However, by April, Alextrus, the Syracusan General, became aware of the nearing enemy army and set up defensive positions in a hilly, region several miles south west of Himera. When the Athenians apporahced, many were doubtfull they could defeat the complicated system of ditches, towers, and fortifications that Alextrus had briefly constructed.