key term - Peloponnesian War

Definition

The Peloponnesian War was a protracted conflict fought between the city-states of Athens and Sparta, along with their respective allies, from 431 to 404 BCE. This war marked a significant turning point in ancient Greek history, highlighting the struggle between democracy and oligarchy and ultimately leading to the decline of Athenian power and influence in the Greek world.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Peloponnesian War can be divided into three main phases: the Archidamian War (431-421 BCE), the Peace of Nicias (421-413 BCE), and the Ionian or Decelean War (413-404 BCE).
2. Sparta's victory was significantly aided by its alliance with Persia, which provided financial resources to build a navy capable of challenging Athenian dominance at sea.
3. The war saw significant shifts in military strategies, moving from traditional land battles to naval engagements, particularly with Athens' powerful fleet.
4. The plague that struck Athens during the early years of the war devastated its population, including the death of the influential leader Pericles, which greatly impacted Athenian morale and strategy.
5. The conclusion of the Peloponnesian War led to the temporary establishment of oligarchic rule in Athens through the Spartan-backed Thirty Tyrants, severely altering Athenian democracy.

Review Questions

• How did the Peloponnesian War impact the political landscape of ancient Greece?
  • The Peloponnesian War had a profound impact on the political landscape of ancient Greece by intensifying rivalries among city-states. The conflict showcased the tensions between democratic Athens and oligarchic Sparta, resulting in a shift in power dynamics that ultimately led to the decline of Athenian influence. After the war, Sparta emerged as a dominant power but struggled to maintain control over its own allies, highlighting the fragility of alliances and governance in the region.
• Evaluate Thucydides' contributions to our understanding of the Peloponnesian War and historical writing.
  • Thucydides' 'History of the Peloponnesian War' is crucial for understanding this conflict as it offers a detailed, critical analysis based on eyewitness accounts and primary sources. His objective approach marked a departure from earlier historical narratives that often included mythological elements. Thucydides emphasized factual accuracy, cause-and-effect relationships, and human behavior's role in history, setting a foundation for modern historical methodology.
• Analyze how the outcomes of the Peloponnesian War influenced future Greek history and the rise of Macedon.
  • The outcomes of the Peloponnesian War significantly weakened many Greek city-states, particularly Athens and Sparta, creating a power vacuum that facilitated the rise of Macedon under Philip II. The constant warfare exhausted resources and fragmented alliances among city-states, leaving them vulnerable to external threats. Macedon's eventual dominance over Greece set the stage for further conquests under Alexander the Great, reshaping not only Greek history but also impacting much of the ancient world.

Related terms

Delian League: An alliance led by Athens formed after the Persian Wars, initially intended for mutual defense but later used by Athens to exert control over its allies.

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

Sicilian Expedition: A disastrous military campaign launched by Athens during the Peloponnesian War aimed at conquering Sicily, which severely weakened Athenian resources and morale.