BRASIDAS, son of Tellis, a celebrated Lacedæmonian general, in the early part of the Peloponnesian war. He defeated the Athenians by land and sea, took many places, and rendered his native country formidable to all the neighbouring states. He repulsed the Athenians in their attempted surprise of Amphipolis, but died of the wounds he received in that battle, B.C. 422. See ATTICA.
In honour of him an annual festival, called Brasideia, was celebrated at Sparta. None but natives were permitted to attend; and whoever absented himself was fined. Brasideia were also celebrated at Amphipolis.