Philip, on approaching Lycurgus, first sent the mercenaries along against him,
so that at the beginning the Lacedaemonians fought with more success, favoured as they were in no small degree by the ground and their heavier armour.
But as soon as Philip had sent the peltasts to take part in the fight acting as a supporting force, and getting round the enemy with his Illyrians charged them on the flank,
his mercenaries encouraged by this support fought with much greater spirit, while Lycurgus' force dreading the charge of heavier troops gave way and ran.
About a hundred were killed and rather more taken prisoners, the remainder escaping to the town: Lycurgus himself passing along the hills made his escape with a few others into the city.
Philip, leaving the Illyrians in occupation of the hills, returned to his army with his light infantry and peltasts.
Meanwhile Aratus had left Amyclae with the phalanx and was now close to <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Sparta&groupId=660&placeId=1208">Sparta</a>.
The king crossing the river remained with his light troops, peltasts, and cavalry to cover the heavy armed troops until they had traversed the narrow passage under the hills.
When the Spartans from the city attempted an attack on the cavalry which was performing this service, the action became general,
and the peltasts displaying great gallantry, Philip gained here too a distinct advantage, and after pursuing the Spartan horse up to the gates, recrossed the Eurotas in safety and placed himself in the rear of his phalanx.
Walbank Commentary