The Foreign War (Ancient Greek: Ξενικὸς Πόλεμος, Xenikos Polemos) was fought between the forces of Knossos with the help of mercenaries under the ousted Phocian leader Phalaikos and the forces of Lyttos who received help from the Spartans (who were founders of their city) under their King Archidamus III.
Knossos wanted to strengthen their hegemony of Crete, but received opposition from the Lyttians.
In response Knossos employed foreign mercenaries under the former Phocian leader Phalaikos.
Phalaikos, who was given command of the forces of Knossos and of the mercenaries, was about to seize Lyttos when the Lyttians asked the Spartans for help.
This decision proved fatal for Phalaikos who was slain in the siege and his army was destroyed.