key term - Peloponnesian War

Definition

The Peloponnesian War was a protracted conflict between the city-states of Athens and Sparta, along with their respective allies, which lasted from 431 to 404 BCE. This war marked a significant turning point in ancient Greek civilization, as it showcased the rivalry between two powerful states and ultimately led to the decline of Athenian dominance in the Greek world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The war is divided into three main phases: the Archidamian War, the Sicilian Expedition, and the Ionian or Decelean War.
2. A major event during the war was the plague that struck Athens in 430 BCE, killing a large portion of its population and weakening its military capacity.
3. Sparta received significant support from Persia during the later stages of the war, allowing them to build a navy that challenged Athenian dominance at sea.
4. The war concluded with the surrender of Athens in 404 BCE, leading to a brief period of Spartan rule known as the Thirty Tyrants.
5. The Peloponnesian War had lasting effects on Greek society, including economic turmoil and political instability that affected many city-states for years afterward.

Review Questions

• What were the main causes that led to the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta?
  • The Peloponnesian War was primarily caused by growing tensions between Athens and Sparta due to their conflicting political systems and expansionist policies. Athens had transformed the Delian League into an empire, which alarmed Sparta and its allies. The fear of Athenian hegemony over Greece motivated Sparta to take action against Athens, culminating in the declaration of war after a series of skirmishes and diplomatic failures.
• Discuss how the outcomes of the Peloponnesian War altered the balance of power in ancient Greece.
  • The outcome of the Peloponnesian War significantly shifted the balance of power in ancient Greece by ending Athenian supremacy and establishing Sparta as the dominant city-state. Following Athens' defeat, Sparta imposed oligarchic rule over Athens and other territories. However, this new order was short-lived, leading to further conflicts among Greek city-states and ultimately paving the way for Theban and Macedonian ascendance.
• Evaluate the historical significance of Thucydides' account of the Peloponnesian War and how it shaped our understanding of warfare and politics.
  • Thucydides' account of the Peloponnesian War is considered one of the first works of historical analysis, emphasizing rationality and evidence-based conclusions. His narrative not only provides insights into military strategies and political maneuvers but also explores themes like power dynamics, human nature, and moral complexities within warfare. This work has greatly influenced modern historiography and political thought by highlighting how conflicts arise from competing interests and ambitions among states.

Related terms

Delian League: A defensive alliance led by Athens, originally formed to protect against Persian threats, which later became a tool for Athenian imperialism.

Spartan Hegemony: The period following the Peloponnesian War when Sparta emerged as the dominant power in Greece, exerting control over former Athenian territories and alliances.

Thucydides: An ancient Greek historian who authored 'The History of the Peloponnesian War,' providing a detailed account of the conflict, its causes, and its consequences.