In 425 BCE, the Spartans had lost the Battles of Pylos and Sphacteria, a severe defeat resulting in the Athenians holding 292 prisoners. At least 120 were Spartiates, who had recovered by 424 BCE, when the Spartan general Brasidas captured Amphipolis. In the same Year, the Athenians suffered a major defeat in Boeotia at the Battle of Delium, and in 422 BCE, they were defeated again at the Battle of Amphipolis in their attempt to take back that city. Both Brasidas, the leading Spartan general, and Cleon, the leading politician in Athens, were killed at Amphipolis. By then, both sides were exhausted and ready for peace. It ended the first half of the Peloponnesian War.