The Battle of Melos was fought in 415 BC between Athens and Melos. Melos had attempted to remain neutral in the Peloponnesian War, but Athens attacked and forced Melos to surrender. All Melian males capable of bearing arms were killed, and the women and children became slaves. The Melian dialogue which reportedly preceded it is found in a passage found in Book V (85-113) of the History of the Peloponnesian War by the ancient Greek historian Thucydides.