[1] Strabo speaks of Delium as a temple of Apollo and a small town (πολίχνιον) of the Tanagraei, distant 40 stadia from Aulis.
Hippocrates, the Athenian commander, had seized the temple at Delium, which he converted into a fortress by erecting some temporary works.
Leaving a garrison there, he was on his march homewards and had already reached the territory of Oropus, 10 stadia distant from Delium, when he encountered the Boeotian army advancing to cut off his retreat.
[citation needed] The Athenians were defeated in the ensuing battle, losing 1,200, including Hippocrates, while the Boeotians lost only 500.
[3] Socrates fought at this battle among the hoplites, and, according to one account, saved the life of Xenophon,[2] while, according to another, his own retreat was protected by Alcibiades, who was serving in the cavalry.