The earthquake was a large magnitude event that caused significant loss of life in Sparta. Debate as to whether the army was seriously impacted by the loss of trainees and mature Spartiates is inconclusive, but it may have had an impact on Spartan thinking later. Immediately after the earthquake, the Messenian Helots took the opportunity and revolted. The length of their revolt is unclear, but it could have lasted several years. The Athenians sent a force of four thousand hoplites to assist Sparta after she made a request for aid, but that gesture only soured the relationship between the two Greek powers when the Athenians were not able to help prosecute the siege of the Messenian stronghold at Mount Ithome.
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