Lacedaemon

Sparta had left itself vulnerable by sending the army north to battle Corinth and its allies. Before sunrise, alarms sounded, awakening everyone to Messenia's approaching rebels, seething with vengeance for their defeat. From every door, mothers and elders rushed children to defensive positions. Young women, led by Spartiatis, raced to the western gate, arming themselves to form speared phalanxes. Before noon arrived, Messenian bodies would lie in piles roasting under the sun.