The Messenians, not wanting to experience another battle such as the one fought in the vicinity of Ampheia, had fallen back to the heavily fortified Mount Ithome, guarding the entrance to the rich Stenyclarus plain, their center of resistance.

This is when the Messenians first send for help from the Oracle at Delphi.

They are told that a sacrifice of a royal virgin is the key to their success and the daughter of Aristodemus, a Messenian hero, is chosen for the sacrifice.

Upon hearing of this, the Spartans hold off from attacking Ithome for several years, before finally making a long march under their kings and killing the Messenian leader.

Aristodemus is made the new Messenian king and leads an offensive, meeting the enemy and driving them back into their own territory.