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Siege of Syracuse

9.3

A long siege by Athenian forces from 415 to 413 BC that ends in their defeat

proper noun

: Sitio de Siracusa

Many historians analyze the failure of the Athenians at the Siege of Syracuse as a crucial moment in Greek history.

Examples

The Siege of Syracuse was a turning point in the Peloponnesian War.
The Siege of Syracuse demonstrated the strategic importance of naval power in ancient warfare.
The Siege of Syracuse was a significant event in ancient history.
Did you know about the Siege of Syracuse?
Many historians analyze the failure of the Athenians at the Siege of Syracuse as a crucial moment in Greek history.
The Siege of Syracuse demonstrated the strategic importance of naval power in ancient warfare.
The Siege of Syracuse was a turning point in the Peloponnesian War.

Surface Forms

Siege of Syracuse main

Morphology

siege + of + Syracuse

The phrase is a straightforward composition of 'siege' (a prolonged military encirclement) + 'of' + the place name 'Syracuse', so a learner who knows the constituents will understand it denotes a siege at Syracuse. Specific historical details (dates, outcome, Archimedes) are not predictable from the words, but the core event meaning is directly derivable and cross-linguistically transparent.

Etymology

Siege of Syracuse was the long attempt by Athens in 415–413 BC to 'surround and block' the city of Syracuse so it would have to give up. Imagine ships and soldiers cutting off food and help for years until the attack failed; that image explains why the name refers to a long, costly military attempt that ended in defeat.