The Democratic Revolution

The Democratic Revolution occurred in 593 during the Late Second Republic when Ehnon Peneid launched a revolution from Athens to overthrow the government in Gortyn. The Great Seleucid War had concluded peacefully after 15 years but it had left Crete wasted. All her money was spent, and nearly all the men between 15 and 40 had left for war. Thousands lay dead on the battlefields across the Aegean and discontent with the government was high. During this time the Cretan Senate was consumed with Constitutional arguments and endless debates. Because of the cost of the war, the Cretan Army was largely composed of Mercenaries. Given the conditions, it seemed inevitable that civil war would occur.

In the emergency Senate session of 595, the Cretan Senate voted to negotiate with the rebels should the war turn against them. In the Battle of Thessaly the Cretan forces led by Eurycrates Xenonid suffered a huge defeat to the Revolutionary forces. Over 7,000 troops were lost on each side of the battle, but the losses were more severe for the Cretan forces who were already strapped for recruits. With the Rebels in possession of the mainland, the Cretan government decided to negotiate a surrender. The rebels agreed to complete amnesty for the Loyalists. This agreement laid the groundwork for the Third Republic.