Paralos (1)Paralus

The Paralos and Salaminia were ceremonial warships used by the Athenians for special occasions such as envoys to the oracle at Delphi and the conveyance of high ranking Athenian statesmen; only Athenian citizens were allowed to serve on these ships.

During one engagement of the Peloponnesian War (circa 405 BCE) the Paralos was almost captured by the Spartans near the city of Sestos on the Hellespont; the Spartans were commanded by one general, Lysander, and the Athenians were under the command of several generals; this situation made it easy for the Spartans to maneuver effectively while the Athenians tended to be less coordinated.

The Athenians were on the European side of the Hellespont and the Spartans were on the Asian side; day after day, the Athenian fleet would sail out to engage the Spartans but the Spartans would not meet the challenge and stayed in port; finally, the Athenians sailed out one morning and when the Spartans refused to fight, returned to their beachhead and dispersed; the Spartans attacked and caught the Athenians off guard; the Paralos and eight other ships managed to escape but the Spartans captured 171 triremes and 3,000 soldiers.

• Lives, Lysander, chapters 10-11
• Hellenica, book 2, i 28-29; book 2 ii 3; book 6 ii 14)