Following the declaration of war against Sparta by the Achaean League in around 229-228 BC,[1] the fighting between the two countries had almost been continuous.

[6] After advancing into Achaea, Cleomenes descended upon Pharae, a founding member of the League.

[6] As Cleomenes was besieging the city of Dyme, the full Achaean army came out to meet him.

When Cleomenes saw them pitch camp, deciding not to battle the enemy while his rear was exposed to attacks from the garrison of Dyme, he advanced on the Achaean position.

[9] In 224 BC, Antigonus advanced into the Peloponnese with an army of 30,000 men and forced Cleomenes to retreat to Laconia, the Spartan heartland.