The Mitolenean Response to the Athens War

The Mitolenean government began to forcibly unite the three smaller cities in Lesbos under their sovereignty. They were also preparing for a revolt by fortifying their city with defensive walls, blocking up their harbor and increasing the size of their navy. The disclosure of their plans brought an Athenian response before the Mitolennians were ready. When they ordered the MitolENNians to surrender their ships and to tear down their walls, the Mitolenians refused this demand; even going so far as to send their fleet to fight the Athenians just outside the harbor. In addition, the ten Mitolennian triremes that had been serving in the fleet were detained at Athens,.