Peloponnesian War

Houghton STC 24058 (B) - Thucydides

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Fragment of the Athenian Tribute List, 425-424 BCE

Map athenian empire 431 BC-en

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Battle of Potidaea 431 BCE

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Pelopennesian War, Walls Protecting the City, 431 B.C.

Perikles bust

Peloponnesian War was an ancient Greek conflict fought by the Delian League, led by Athens, against the Peloponnesian League, led by Sparta. Lasting from 431 BC to 404 BC, the war is divided into three phases: the Archidamian War, the Sicilian Expedition, and the Ionian or Decelean War. It ended with the defeat of Athens and the dismantling of its empire, which marked a significant shift in the ancient Greek world.

Background

The Peloponnesian War was rooted in the power struggle between Athens and Sparta, the two most powerful city-states in ancient Greece. After their collaboration in the Persian Wars, their relations deteriorated due to Athens' growing power and the establishment of the Delian League, which was perceived as a threat by Sparta and its allies.

The Archidamian War (431-421 BC)

Named after the Spartan king Archidamus II, this phase saw traditional hoplite battles alongside sieges and naval engagements. The strategy of Sparta was to invade and devastate the lands around Athens, while Athens relied on its superior navy to raid the Peloponnesian coast. This phase ended with the signing of the Peace of Nicias, which was intended to last for 50 years but only held for six.

The Sicilian Expedition (415-413 BC)

Athens embarked on a massive military expedition to Sicily, aiming to conquer Syracuse. The expedition ended in a disastrous defeat for Athens, significantly weakening its military and economic power. This failure encouraged Sparta to renew hostilities, supported by Persian funds to build a fleet capable of challenging Athenian naval supremacy.

The Ionian or Decelean War (413-404 BC)

The final phase saw Sparta establish a fort at Decelea, near Athens, with Persian financial support. This phase was characterized by widespread naval battles in the Aegean Sea and the eastern Mediterranean. The war concluded with the siege of Athens, its eventual surrender, and the imposition of harsh terms by Sparta, including the dismantling of its walls and navy.

Aftermath

The Peloponnesian War significantly altered the balance of power in ancient Greece. Sparta emerged as the predominant power but faced immediate challenges and was unable to maintain hegemony. The war weakened the major Greek city-states and set the stage for the rise of Macedon under Philip II and later, his son Alexander the Great.

Significance

The Peloponnesian War had profound implications for Greek culture, political thought, and military tactics. It was extensively chronicled by the historian Thucydides, whose work remains a key primary source for the study of ancient Greek history. The conflict demonstrated the fragility of Greek unity and the dangers of imperial overreach.