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The Peloponnesian War was the most important war in greek history because it was the start of
Greece's fall, it put the country in a vulnerable position, and it destroyed the Athen's Empire. The
war gave other countries a chance at taking over them, and one did take over.
How it all started was when the Persians had finally been defeated. Athens made a group to guard
Greece, all the city–states that joined the group had to pay a tax to help with the military
experiences, but all the money wasn't going to the military it was going to make Athens beautiful
and powerful. The other city–states didn't like that, but they were too scared to stop paying Athens,
because they would not protect them if the Persian attacked again. Sparta didn't like
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Essay On Peloponnesian War
The Peloponnesian War
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The Peloponnesian war which was fought in 431–404 BCE happened in ancient Greece and was
between two city states, Athens and Sparta. Athens had an alliance with coastal states and most of
the island states that boarded the shores of the Aegean Sea to the north and eastern side. Sparta, on
the other hand, had formed an alliance with all other independent states that formed central Greece
and Corinth, Sparta leading the alliance. Athens navy was strong and also Sparta's army was equally
strong. The advantage of Athens was that it was financially stable and very well prepared than their
enemies. Both states were proud and none could stand accepting the other's requests. It would mean
they...show more content...
This is because he was the one who started the war between Sparta and Athens. He also refused to
make agreements with the Spartans who were scared of his powerful ruling. He even caused the
Spartans to destroy the fields of the Athenians after asking the citizens of Attica to move inside the
city. This allowed the Spartan soldiers to invade the Athenians fields of produce and the economy of
Athens declined. Pericles also brought the downfall of Athens when he became emotional for the
death of his sons and found that leading the battles against the Spartans was no longer important and
he became weak. The Spartans dominated and the powerful ruler died and this brought a great
disaster to Athens and its citizens as stated by the great historian of the time by the name
Thucydides. If Pericles had given concessions to Sparta as they requested, then the Peloponnesian
War could not have started and Athens could not have been
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Essay on Peloponnesian War
Dating back to 449 B.C., Sparta and Athens always had an alliance, but as time grew that balance
slowly began to fall as one felt threatened by another. Before any sight of unsteadiness the Spartans
and Athenians had a bound partnership. Beginning after their domination of the Persian war, the
two states slowly became aware of one another's growing power. More time went by, and the
Spartans began to grow conscious of the other states, feeling wary and paranoid around them (Fox,
170). No state was particularly to blame for the strain on their peace treaty, nor for the war, it came
as the two states developed. Eventually the two states had clashed enough and declared war.
Although the Spartans gave the Athenians a chance to back down and...show more content...
They shared rules and laws and even signed a peace treaty, promising peace between one another.
The two states also introduced one another to their allies and brought them together to create the
Delian League (Esler, 128). The league further bound their alliance and tightened their friendship.
However as time grew, a civil war was brewing and piece–by–piece the concoction began to show.
One of their differences was their way of doing things. The Spartans were a much fiercer group;
they were the strength of the alliance (Kagan, 150). They had a large army, which served as a
greater power on land. Yet, the Athenians were just as strong, however their strength was their navy.
Having the disadvantage, the Athenians represented more of the brains than the brawns in the
friendship. This caused the, balance the Athenians had their strength and the Spartans had theirs,
however, this balance was exceptionally fragile; it was bound to be broken. Although they were
destined to have problems they continued to stay strong for a few years, neither attempted to truly
over power one another. However, it was the subtle effort to show their strength that put the first
strain on their friendship. In 440 B.C., Corinth, one of the Spartan allies, was in a war with an
Athenian ally, Corcyra. The battle was long and hard, both allies were matched with one another,
and after a few years Corinth was pulling ahead (Peloponnesian War, 2). Eventually Corinth was at
the brink of domination, but just
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Peloponnesian War Analysis
What factors does Thucydides text History of the Peloponnesian War define as the causality for the
Peloponnesian wars?
Thucydides text History of the Peloponnesian War is often used by modern historians to examine the
initial causes of the Peloponnesian war. The Peloponnesian War of ancient Greece was fought
between Athens and its empire and the Peloponnesian league led by Sparta. The text is considered by
many historians as an exceptional source of ancient history used to establish the motives behind the
Peloponnesian Wars. This is mainly because he was able to convey his understanding of the events
and factors that in turn influenced the first Peloponnesian war. Thucydides attempted to maximize
accuracy in all his writings of the ancient Greek histories. He confesses that he "found it difficult to
remember the precise words used during the speeches ... so my method has been ... to make the
speakers say, what, in my opinion, was, called for by...show more content...
The text is so important because it contains several key factors that were influential to the war.
Thucydides stated multiple times that the initiation of the war was due to Athens' increase in power
"The true reason of the Peloponnesian War was a jealousy of the Athenian power." (Thucydides,
1818, page xiii). The several factors for mentioned include the increase in Athenian naval and
military power and the jealousy of the Spartans at no longer being the military leader of Ancient
Greece. The conflict between political ideologies, mainly their different government structure. The
Delian League alliance becoming the Athenian Empire and their thirst for control with the power
they had. The siege at Potidaea and the refusal by Pericles of peace with Sparta. Thucydides text is
exceptionally effective in defining the causalities for the Peloponnesian
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What Is The 27 Year Peloponnesian War
The 27–year Peloponnesian War, between Sparta and Athens demonstrated the difficulties of fighting
battles at home and abroad. It is by far the most significant protracted war in Greek history where
two powerful states had to modify their strategies as the war evolved over time. Both states suffered
significant damage but Sparta's ability to change their strategic approach and with the financial
backing from Persia won the battle.
The war started from Sparta's fear of Athens' rising power. After fighting as allies in the
Greco–Persian war and defeating the Persians. Athens began to solicit allied economic support from
its dependent states in exchange for protection. With enough financial support Athens built a large
fleet and the Long Wall
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The Peloponnesian War Essay
The Peloponnesian war (431–404 BC) was an ancient Greek war fought by Athens against the
Peloponnesian led by Sparta. Thucydides famously claims that the war started "because the
Spartans were afraid of further growth of Athenian power, seeing as they did have the greater part
of Hellas was under the control of Athens". The two main protagonists from opposing sides
Lysander and Alcibiades had the most influential impact on the end of the war. Lysander was
appointed Spartan navarch for the Aegean Sea in 407 and undertook the major project of creating a
strong Spartan fleet which could take on the Athenians and their allies. Lysander collected 70
triremes and took them to Ephesus; Lysander pitched camp there and ordered for merchant...show
more content...
Lysander undermined his successor callicratidas position hence given complete control over
Greek cities and the right to collect tributes from Cyrus to fund the increase of the soldiers. After
the death of Callicratidas Spartan allies sought to have Lysander reappointed as navarch but as it
didn't comply with Spartan law he was appointed as aracus's deputy in name, but was the actual
commander. Once back in command Lysander directed the Spartan fleet towards Hellespont, the
Athenian fleet of 160 ships followed him and took up a position at Aegospotami, Lysander
commanded the mariners and pilots to go on board and sit in silence, they did this for four days.
The Athenians were scattered about as the men were sleeping or dining as they grew careless
waiting for Lysander to attack, when Lysander's fleet did attack the men were coming unarmed
and scattered to help but many died at their ships which resulted in Lysander seizing the city of
Lampascus, killing many of the crews and capturing 3000 men and 160 ships, all prisoners were
executed. Having taken their ships in tow he sailed back to Lampascus having accomplished a
great work with small pains, the war that had a 25 year duration was finished in an hour, it was put
to an end by the ready conduct of one man. Lysander. Lacedaemonians quotes that Lysander wrote to
the ephors: Athens is taken" and
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Peloponnesian War Essay
The Peloponnesian War actuated a series of political and social changes that substantially altered the
hegemonic balance in Greece that would have far reaching consequences for Western Civilization.
Moreover, the Peloponnesian War represented not only the nadir of Greek morality, but, the apogee
of the Spartan mirage of invincibility and domination. For the Spartans, winning the Peloponnesian
War was a catastrophe that culminated in the atrophy of the Spartan system as well as the perpetual
irrelevancy of the Spartan polis in the Greek world. According, to Ober "the real, original Sparta
broke with a sharp snap because it could not bend."
Furthermore, the Spartan system decayed internally as well as externally due to a rigid caste
system that allowed for no upward mobility, an arrogant and bellicose Spartan foreign policy that
alienated the vast majority of Sparta's allies, and the introduction of wealth and ideas, outside of
Sparta, that weakened the social conformity of the Sparitates. In addition, Sparta's bellicose foreign
policy resulted in the alienation of the other Greek city states, and this lead to the...show more
content...
The helots were an absolute economic necessity to maintain the Spartan state. Moreover, the
Spartan system was a strict caste system that split the Spartan population into somewhat hostile
social groups. At the top were the Hoimoioi, and the other group was split into the Perioikoi.
These two groups were distinct, and there was only one mode of social mobility in the Spartan
caste system. A Hoimoioi could be kicked out of the barracks, due to poverty, cowardice and a
variety of other reasons, and become a Perioikoi. However, a Perioikoi could not rejoin the
barracks after being kicked out. Moreover, this downward mobility crippled an already small
population of Hoimoioi that already has been greatly reduced during the Peloponnesian
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Peloponnesian War Research Paper
The Peloponnesian war began in 431BC and lasted until 404BC, it was fought by Athens and the
Peloponnesian League was led by Sparta. Thucydides is clear about the cause of the war, he states
the growth of Athenian power scared Sparta having them begin the war. Athens did not have a
choice and yes with better hindsight this war could've been avoided. The Athenians had no choice
but to fight back, Pericles favored the war and was really the only voice of Athens. Athens was in
ruins and the people of Athens had to build their city from the ground up. Sparta was worse off; they
had lost a majority of their men during the war to Athens. The main cause of the Peloponnesian war
was the fear Sparta had towards Athens growth in power, that is the
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Peloponnesian War Essay
THE PELOPONNESIAN WAR
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Peloponnesian war took place between 431 and 404 B.C. and involved two Greek city–states,
namely, Sparta and Athens. Each of the participants in the warfare was backed by its closest allies
as they sought to win at all cost, no matter how long it would take. The conflict started in early 440
B.C. when allies of Athens began revolting against frequent attacks by Sparta. At the height of
animosities, situation changed from the clashes between limited formational units to complex
military operations with large–scale atrocities. Athens led Peloponnesian combat against the Delian
League led by Sparta.
The foundation of the hostilities was laid in 423 B.C. when Sparta summoned members of the
Peloponnesian League to voice their complaints. A debate that was held involved some unofficially
invited guests from Athens. During the discussion, Sparta's allies held that Athens was opposed to
the idea of peace, and that there was no need for a dialogue to end the conflict. Sparta did not
appear to be concerned about any possible negative consequences of not reconciling with Athens, as
it had a huge army of well–trained men. Spartans voted and declared that Athens had broken a peace
agreement, which resulted in the Peloponnesian war. Given the quarter of a century that the fighting
took, it had numerous negative impacts on Athens and other Greek city–states, which could have
been avoided had Sparta and Athens agreed to solve
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Peloponnesian War Strategy
Evolution of Strategy Throughout the Peloponnesian War
In the years leading up to the Peloponnesian War, Athens and Sparta formed a successful alliance
defending Hellas from a Persian invasion. This alliance dissolved soon after leaving two independent
city–states in its place. Athens possessed a robust naval force and Sparta possessed a formidable
military force. Each possessed unique systems of government and policies that defined markedly
different approaches for relationships with their respective allies. These policies shaped the
strategies that each city–state developed and implemented during the 27 year Peloponnesian War.
This paper examines the evolution of Athenian and Spartan strategy using the ends, ways, and means
paradigm; identifies...show more content...
Sparta's strategy spread risk among its allies, resulting in a positive cost to benefit ratio. In contrast,
Athens was incorrect in its initial assessment of Sparta's capability to become a significant threat and
that assessment appeared to changed little leading up to the Sicilian expedition. Further, Athens
risked and lost a significant percentage of its own resources on the Sicilian expedition rather than
spreading the risk across allies as in the Spartan strategy. It is impossible to know if Sparta's initial
vision remained present in its strategic planning throughout the war. It is likewise impossible to
know whether or not Athens' initial assumptions regarding Sparta's future capabilities influenced its
future strategic evolution. However, by the end of the Sicilian expedition, Sparta's strategy proved
sustainable and effective in adapting to changes in the realities, risks, and length of the
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Peloponnesian War Causes
The Peloponnesian War was an ancient Greek war fought between Athens and Sparta's
Peloponnesian League. The Peloponnesian War had many causes which included anti–Athenian
feelings by the Peloponnesian League and competitive feelings for power. It began when Athens
started to dominate and treat other members of the delian league like subjects. This in turn caused
Sparta to refuse to join the delian league so he created a rival league which was the Peloponnesian
League.
Once Sparta created his own rival league, the Peloponnesian League, feelings of jealousy
accumulated towards the people of Athens and those feelings increased with competitive notions for
power. Then when Athens attacked an ally of Sparta's Peloponnesian League, Sparta decided
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Peloponnesian War Essay
The Peloponnesian War was a 27 yearlong war fought between Athens and Sparta. Both Athens and
Sparta were leaders of their own leagues, Athens and the Delian League and Sparta with the
Peloponnesian League. War broke out after Athens failed to adhere to the 30 years treaty, plus ever
since its growing size and economic wealth Athens had been acting more like a bully and less like a
civilized city–state but anger amongst Sparta and Athens allies only made war more inevitable.
Thucydides, who served as a general in the Peloponnesian war stated in his recount of the war, " The
growth and the power of Athens, and the alarm which this inspired in Sparta, made war inevitable."
Once war had officially begun Pericles, the Athenian leader, suggested...show more content...
Although not much different from the Greek themselves, they stilled viewed and considered them
semi–barbaric and backwards by Greek standards. The Macedonians were a distinct race but their
only difference from the Greeks was how far behind they were in regards to civilization. Some
proof to their differences or the way the Greeks viewed the Macedonians starts with their king. The
king of Macedonia Phillip II, who reigned from 359–336BCE, was somewhat obsessed with the
Greeks and their way of life. He thought the Greeks were the best people in the world and truly
loved all things Greek. He married a Greek woman, had a son and did whatever he needed to do in
order for him to compete against the Greeks in the Olympics. But although Phillip greatly admired
them, he did not hesitate to conquer their land. I feel as though the Hellenistic empire fits with the
overall history of the Greek people because of the great fall of Greece to Phillip and Macedonia.
Phillip took advantage of Greece once they became exhausted of resources and money after the
Peloponnesian War and because of this the Hellenistic empire should be more correctly called the
Macedonian empire. Macedonian was able to conquer many areas under Greek rule such as Thessaly
and many others. After this, Phillip
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Essay about The Peloponnesian War
Throughout the Ancient Greek world, there have been many wars and standoffs. However, there has
been only one which changed the course of Greek history forever; the Peloponnesian War. Caused by
the growing tension between Athens and Sparta, it came and left, leaving only destruction in its
wake. The defeat of Athens in the Peloponnesian War caused the downfall of Greece, and the end of
the Classical Age. The roots of the Peloponnesian war can be traced long before 431 BCE, when it
officially started. It can be traced back to as early as the Persian Wars, where the Athenians had
found their home burned by the hands of the Persians. That disaster left the Athenians with no home
and no sanctuary. Even though that was a defeated battle...show more content...
The battle between Sparta's well–built army and Athens's exemplary navy was like a battle between
a bear and a shark. If the bear goes into the water, the shark wins. However, if the shark enters
land, the bear will kill it. The Athenian general and military genius Pericles knew this. Therefore, he
devised a strategy that was based on the strength of his navy and the Spartan inability to battle him
on sea; he devised a strategy of attrition where they would sit at home, and outlast the enemy (Kagan
52). In his mind, if Athens disregarded the Spartan land attacks, and instead survived off sea trade
from their allies, the enemy would be unable to cause much damage. He wanted to drain them out
psychologically, to get them to surrender from attacking the Athenian Empire (Kagan 52). One of the
most important steps in doing this was to connect Athens to its navy city and their port. They did
this by building walls that connected them, later known as the Long Walls (Kagan 9). Back then,
walls were almost impregnable to attacks, and were one of the best defenses in the ancient world.
Therefore, the addition of the Long Walls made both Athens and the port extremely hard to crack;
they were ready for any Spartan land attack that would come their way. When the war finally started
and the Spartans did come, they found that their attacks were not going to work. Their strategy of
totally crushing the Athenian Empire and fighting a battle of annihilation was countered by the
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Peloponnesian War Essay
The Peloponnesian War was a battle between Athens and Sparta for about 30 years. Athens
controlled a mass empire with a dominant Navy; however by the end of the war Athens lost their
empire and lost control. There are many reasons how this conflict started and how it escalated. In the
end both powerful empires fall after many years of fighting.
After the Persian Navy was destroyed the Athenians founded the Delian League. Its job was to
punish the Persians by taking their colonies and adding them to the Athenian Empire. With no Navy
the Persians were defeated. Within 30 years the Athenians controlled the vast Maritime Empire,
which contains most of the islands in the Aegean and the coast of Asia. As the Athens began to grow
richer and more powerful...show more content...
Every Greek City–State sent soldiers to help calm things down. Athens sent over 5000 soldiers; the
Spartans however didn't allow them into the country because they believed the Athens was going to
abuse this chaos and not help.
In 449 BCE two members of the Peloponnesian League, Megara and Corinth started fighting. Athens
saw this opportunity to gain a strong hold on the mainland, so Athens formed an alliance with
Megara. This resulted in 15 years of fighting. This is considered the first Peloponnesian War. The
battle was concluded in 445 BCE which brought the signing of 30 Years' Peace. This 30 Years'
Peace was an agreement to not interfere with one another's respected empires. But the terms of the
treaty were too much for the Athenians to live by and for the next 15 years they began to oppress
the Spartans.
Pericles of Athens has been certain the 30 Years' Peace would not hold up. So as soon as the
Spartans left the land surrounding Athens, thy started building a wall from Athens to Piraeus. This
way the Athens wouldn't have to meet the Spartans on land. It didn't matter if the Spartans stole and
burned their fields because Athens had an entire empire to import food from. As long as the
Athenians Navy remained supreme and the Athens doesn't expand it can keep the city
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The Peloponnesian War
The Peloponnesian War lasted for thirty years, and was orchestrated and fueled by both Athens
and Sparta. The Spartans were more to blame for the civil war; they were known for their
extensive training of fierce warriors and their passion to overcome any challenge. Sparta's allies,
Corinth and Megara were also to be blamed for encouraging the Spartans to engage in war with
Athens. Thus invoking and responding to the Athenians challenge leading to a long bloody war that
lasted for thirty years. It is clear that the Spartans were to blame for the Peloponnesian War, since
they initiated the war, prolonged the war, and brought the war to a halt.
Both Athens and Sparta wanted to dominate the Peloponnese Peninsula, each with the same
intentions....show more content...
It is clear that the Spartans were to blame for the Peloponnesian War by initiating it, prolonging it,
and by bringing it to an end and defeating the Athenians. The fore mentioned shows the Spartans
were determined to be the most dominant force in the region and we can see that a simple victory
wouldn't suffice as they prolonged the war even after it was evident that they were always a force
to be reckoned with. Sparta had a rich tradition of training strong male individuals that feared no
one. Interesting even Sparta allies, gave in on the fact of sacrificing their lives, but never breaking
their alliance to Sparta. Overall the Spartans and her allies were the cause of this bloodstained
conflict that lasted for a good twenty–seven
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The Peloponnesian War
In his historical account of the Peloponnesian War, Thucydides highlights the historical significance
behind the participants of the Melian Dialogue and how their actions contributed to the overall
canon of inter–state relations. During this time period, in an attempt to acquire resources for their
ongoing fight in the Delian War, the nation–state of Athens turned their attention to the island of
Melos as a source of potential resources. After their arrival, the Athenians declared that unless the
Melian give tribute to the war effort, their invading army would not hesitate to decimate the area.
However, despite Melian attempts to appeal to the Athenians, compromise was futile, and the
population of the island was ultimately slaughtered. This...show more content...
While several declassified government documents show that high ranking United States officials
were knowledgeable about the rampant brutality occurring in Rwanda at the time, no significant step
was ever made to directly intervene and halt the violence. Rather, many of the informed actively
searched for ways to avoid involvement altogether in fear of the potential negative impact it could
have on the United States and the current balance of power. Much of the United States' reluctance to
aid Rwanda stemmed from memories of failed peacekeeping endeavors such as Somalia, where
active intervention led to the loss of American life. As a result, U.S. officials began associating
intervention with high risk scenarios, with potentially disastrous outcomes. Therefore, because the
military intervention required to aid Rwanda did not align with American self–interest, United States
chose remain as a bystander, overlooking their self–proclaimed commitment to the preservation of
humanitarian rights. Ultimately, this example further shows that powerful states will always act in
ways that preserve their own security, regardless of how other weak states must suffer as a
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Peloponnesian War Speech Analysis
Athens: A great city known for fine arts, great philosophers and diverse culture, crashes down at
the hands of the barbaric Spartans during the Peloponnesian War. How could a city this great fall?
A grand empire end? A sophisticated city of goodness, justice and democracy? Their morals were
corrupted and their leaders hearts were darkened by fear and cowardice.
As we read The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides, we see Athens drastically change, but not for the
better. After the first few battles of the war,Pericles gives a public funeral service for the fallen
soldiers. The speech, though technically a eulogy for the men lost at battle, was used to lift the
spirits of the remaining men fighting for the warring state. Many compare this Oration...show more
content...
The Athenians, frightened for their lives and country, threaten the people of the neutral island
Melos to surrender for the greater good. The Athenians desperately needed Melians resources,
and during the Melian Dialog show a darker, and surprisingly more "Spartan like" side of
themselves. When the Athenians arrive to Melos, the Melian people wish to remain neutral,
though the Athenians demand that the island surrender, or else they will destroy their city. The
Melians begin to reason and plea with Athens. "Do you not recognise another danger? For, once
more, since you drive us from the plea of justice and press upon us your doctrine of expediency,
we must show you what is for our interest, and, if it be for yours also, may hope to convince you:
Will you not be making enemies of all who are now neutrals? When they see how you are treating
us they will expect you some day to turn against them; and if so, are you not strengthening the
enemies whom you already have, and bringing upon you others who, if they could help, would
never dream of being your enemies at all?" Looking at Athens and comparing their actions towards
the Melians to the Oration of Pericles, Athens seems like a different country. Their future looks
bleak and their leaders have become corrupted. Their desperation for power and greatness to remain
is so great, that they begin to bully smaller and less powerful countries, despite their
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It is one of the most studied wars in history. The Peloponnesian War ravaged Greece for over 30
years during the 5th century B.C., and had a permanent effect on the Greek world. Athens and
Sparta, two major city–states, fought each other relentlessly for control of the Mediterranean. The
once great empire of Athens would ultimately be defeated, and its counterpart Sparta would be
weakened severely as well. This war would negatively affect Greece's world power, and it would
pave the way for an invasion by Macedonia later in history. The Peloponnesian War would become a
major part in the history of Classical Greece, and it would forever change the lives of the Greek
people. The animosity between the great city–states of Athens and Sparta...show more content...
The second invasion of Greece by Persia had been defeated, and Sparta had become the leading
power of Greece. However, this would be short lived. Soon after the war Sparta retreated into its
typical isolationist ways. Which left Athens the chance to become the new leader of Greece. While
the Persians may have been defeated in 479 B.C., the threat of attack still remained. An alliance of
the city–states of Greece was needed in order to ensure protection against foreign invaders such as
Persia. In 478 B.C., the Delian League was formed. It consisted of mainly coastal and Aegean sea
city–states, and it was headed by Athens. Initially, its goal was to punish Persia and to free it from
Greece's sphere of influence. It was headquartered on the island of Delos, which was where the
member states met annually. This was also where the League's treasury was located. While each
member was supposed to be represented equally, Athens usually received tribute in the form of
money, ships, and sometimes even troops. The League had successfully pacified the Persians, and it
quickly started to become part of the Athenian Empire. Members of the League were permanent, and
any attempt to leave would mean destruction for the seceding state. Naxos and Thasos are two
examples of states that attempted to separate from the League, but they were quickly defeated by the
Athenian
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Second Peloponnesian Wars
Between the First and Second Peloponnesian Wars Pericles and Athens was involved in many
conflicts. A major one of the interwar period was the Second Sacred War. The root of this short
conflict was Athens desire to return control of Delphi to its ally the City–State of Phocis. control the
Oracle of Delphi Pericles was involved in was the Second Sacred War. During this war Pericles led
the Athenian army against Delphi and reinstated Phocis in its sovereign rights on the oracle. Another
one occurred in 447 BCE Pericles engaged in his most admired excursion, the expulsion of barbarians
from the Thracian peninsula of Gallipoli, in order to establish Athenian colonists in the region. At
this time, however, Athens was going through internal problems.
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The Great Peloponnesian War
The spark that ignited the Great Peloponnesian War was a civil war at Epidamnus, between Corcyra
and Corinth. The Corcyraeans had a fleet that was second in size to that of Athens, and the Athenians
feared that its capture by Corinth would threaten the Athenian Empire. As a result, the Athenians
made an alliance with Corcyra that angered the Corinthians. In the summer of 432 B.C.E., the
Spartans met to consider their allies grievances. The Spartans were persuaded that the Athenians had
an insatiably aggressive power seeking to enslave all Greeks, which resulted in their declaration of
war. The Athenians refused to yield to threats or commands, but the Spartans refused to arbitrate and
could not reach any settlement with the Athenians.
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Peloponnesian War Essay

  • 1. The Peloponnesian War was the most important war in greek history because it was the start of Greece's fall, it put the country in a vulnerable position, and it destroyed the Athen's Empire. The war gave other countries a chance at taking over them, and one did take over. How it all started was when the Persians had finally been defeated. Athens made a group to guard Greece, all the city–states that joined the group had to pay a tax to help with the military experiences, but all the money wasn't going to the military it was going to make Athens beautiful and powerful. The other city–states didn't like that, but they were too scared to stop paying Athens, because they would not protect them if the Persian attacked again. Sparta didn't like Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 2. Essay On Peloponnesian War The Peloponnesian War Name Course Tutor Date The Peloponnesian war which was fought in 431–404 BCE happened in ancient Greece and was between two city states, Athens and Sparta. Athens had an alliance with coastal states and most of the island states that boarded the shores of the Aegean Sea to the north and eastern side. Sparta, on the other hand, had formed an alliance with all other independent states that formed central Greece and Corinth, Sparta leading the alliance. Athens navy was strong and also Sparta's army was equally strong. The advantage of Athens was that it was financially stable and very well prepared than their enemies. Both states were proud and none could stand accepting the other's requests. It would mean they...show more content... This is because he was the one who started the war between Sparta and Athens. He also refused to make agreements with the Spartans who were scared of his powerful ruling. He even caused the Spartans to destroy the fields of the Athenians after asking the citizens of Attica to move inside the city. This allowed the Spartan soldiers to invade the Athenians fields of produce and the economy of Athens declined. Pericles also brought the downfall of Athens when he became emotional for the death of his sons and found that leading the battles against the Spartans was no longer important and he became weak. The Spartans dominated and the powerful ruler died and this brought a great disaster to Athens and its citizens as stated by the great historian of the time by the name Thucydides. If Pericles had given concessions to Sparta as they requested, then the Peloponnesian War could not have started and Athens could not have been Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 3. Essay on Peloponnesian War Dating back to 449 B.C., Sparta and Athens always had an alliance, but as time grew that balance slowly began to fall as one felt threatened by another. Before any sight of unsteadiness the Spartans and Athenians had a bound partnership. Beginning after their domination of the Persian war, the two states slowly became aware of one another's growing power. More time went by, and the Spartans began to grow conscious of the other states, feeling wary and paranoid around them (Fox, 170). No state was particularly to blame for the strain on their peace treaty, nor for the war, it came as the two states developed. Eventually the two states had clashed enough and declared war. Although the Spartans gave the Athenians a chance to back down and...show more content... They shared rules and laws and even signed a peace treaty, promising peace between one another. The two states also introduced one another to their allies and brought them together to create the Delian League (Esler, 128). The league further bound their alliance and tightened their friendship. However as time grew, a civil war was brewing and piece–by–piece the concoction began to show. One of their differences was their way of doing things. The Spartans were a much fiercer group; they were the strength of the alliance (Kagan, 150). They had a large army, which served as a greater power on land. Yet, the Athenians were just as strong, however their strength was their navy. Having the disadvantage, the Athenians represented more of the brains than the brawns in the friendship. This caused the, balance the Athenians had their strength and the Spartans had theirs, however, this balance was exceptionally fragile; it was bound to be broken. Although they were destined to have problems they continued to stay strong for a few years, neither attempted to truly over power one another. However, it was the subtle effort to show their strength that put the first strain on their friendship. In 440 B.C., Corinth, one of the Spartan allies, was in a war with an Athenian ally, Corcyra. The battle was long and hard, both allies were matched with one another, and after a few years Corinth was pulling ahead (Peloponnesian War, 2). Eventually Corinth was at the brink of domination, but just Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 4. Peloponnesian War Analysis What factors does Thucydides text History of the Peloponnesian War define as the causality for the Peloponnesian wars? Thucydides text History of the Peloponnesian War is often used by modern historians to examine the initial causes of the Peloponnesian war. The Peloponnesian War of ancient Greece was fought between Athens and its empire and the Peloponnesian league led by Sparta. The text is considered by many historians as an exceptional source of ancient history used to establish the motives behind the Peloponnesian Wars. This is mainly because he was able to convey his understanding of the events and factors that in turn influenced the first Peloponnesian war. Thucydides attempted to maximize accuracy in all his writings of the ancient Greek histories. He confesses that he "found it difficult to remember the precise words used during the speeches ... so my method has been ... to make the speakers say, what, in my opinion, was, called for by...show more content... The text is so important because it contains several key factors that were influential to the war. Thucydides stated multiple times that the initiation of the war was due to Athens' increase in power "The true reason of the Peloponnesian War was a jealousy of the Athenian power." (Thucydides, 1818, page xiii). The several factors for mentioned include the increase in Athenian naval and military power and the jealousy of the Spartans at no longer being the military leader of Ancient Greece. The conflict between political ideologies, mainly their different government structure. The Delian League alliance becoming the Athenian Empire and their thirst for control with the power they had. The siege at Potidaea and the refusal by Pericles of peace with Sparta. Thucydides text is exceptionally effective in defining the causalities for the Peloponnesian Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 5. What Is The 27 Year Peloponnesian War The 27–year Peloponnesian War, between Sparta and Athens demonstrated the difficulties of fighting battles at home and abroad. It is by far the most significant protracted war in Greek history where two powerful states had to modify their strategies as the war evolved over time. Both states suffered significant damage but Sparta's ability to change their strategic approach and with the financial backing from Persia won the battle. The war started from Sparta's fear of Athens' rising power. After fighting as allies in the Greco–Persian war and defeating the Persians. Athens began to solicit allied economic support from its dependent states in exchange for protection. With enough financial support Athens built a large fleet and the Long Wall Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 6. The Peloponnesian War Essay The Peloponnesian war (431–404 BC) was an ancient Greek war fought by Athens against the Peloponnesian led by Sparta. Thucydides famously claims that the war started "because the Spartans were afraid of further growth of Athenian power, seeing as they did have the greater part of Hellas was under the control of Athens". The two main protagonists from opposing sides Lysander and Alcibiades had the most influential impact on the end of the war. Lysander was appointed Spartan navarch for the Aegean Sea in 407 and undertook the major project of creating a strong Spartan fleet which could take on the Athenians and their allies. Lysander collected 70 triremes and took them to Ephesus; Lysander pitched camp there and ordered for merchant...show more content... Lysander undermined his successor callicratidas position hence given complete control over Greek cities and the right to collect tributes from Cyrus to fund the increase of the soldiers. After the death of Callicratidas Spartan allies sought to have Lysander reappointed as navarch but as it didn't comply with Spartan law he was appointed as aracus's deputy in name, but was the actual commander. Once back in command Lysander directed the Spartan fleet towards Hellespont, the Athenian fleet of 160 ships followed him and took up a position at Aegospotami, Lysander commanded the mariners and pilots to go on board and sit in silence, they did this for four days. The Athenians were scattered about as the men were sleeping or dining as they grew careless waiting for Lysander to attack, when Lysander's fleet did attack the men were coming unarmed and scattered to help but many died at their ships which resulted in Lysander seizing the city of Lampascus, killing many of the crews and capturing 3000 men and 160 ships, all prisoners were executed. Having taken their ships in tow he sailed back to Lampascus having accomplished a great work with small pains, the war that had a 25 year duration was finished in an hour, it was put to an end by the ready conduct of one man. Lysander. Lacedaemonians quotes that Lysander wrote to the ephors: Athens is taken" and Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 7. Peloponnesian War Essay The Peloponnesian War actuated a series of political and social changes that substantially altered the hegemonic balance in Greece that would have far reaching consequences for Western Civilization. Moreover, the Peloponnesian War represented not only the nadir of Greek morality, but, the apogee of the Spartan mirage of invincibility and domination. For the Spartans, winning the Peloponnesian War was a catastrophe that culminated in the atrophy of the Spartan system as well as the perpetual irrelevancy of the Spartan polis in the Greek world. According, to Ober "the real, original Sparta broke with a sharp snap because it could not bend." Furthermore, the Spartan system decayed internally as well as externally due to a rigid caste system that allowed for no upward mobility, an arrogant and bellicose Spartan foreign policy that alienated the vast majority of Sparta's allies, and the introduction of wealth and ideas, outside of Sparta, that weakened the social conformity of the Sparitates. In addition, Sparta's bellicose foreign policy resulted in the alienation of the other Greek city states, and this lead to the...show more content... The helots were an absolute economic necessity to maintain the Spartan state. Moreover, the Spartan system was a strict caste system that split the Spartan population into somewhat hostile social groups. At the top were the Hoimoioi, and the other group was split into the Perioikoi. These two groups were distinct, and there was only one mode of social mobility in the Spartan caste system. A Hoimoioi could be kicked out of the barracks, due to poverty, cowardice and a variety of other reasons, and become a Perioikoi. However, a Perioikoi could not rejoin the barracks after being kicked out. Moreover, this downward mobility crippled an already small population of Hoimoioi that already has been greatly reduced during the Peloponnesian Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 8. Peloponnesian War Research Paper The Peloponnesian war began in 431BC and lasted until 404BC, it was fought by Athens and the Peloponnesian League was led by Sparta. Thucydides is clear about the cause of the war, he states the growth of Athenian power scared Sparta having them begin the war. Athens did not have a choice and yes with better hindsight this war could've been avoided. The Athenians had no choice but to fight back, Pericles favored the war and was really the only voice of Athens. Athens was in ruins and the people of Athens had to build their city from the ground up. Sparta was worse off; they had lost a majority of their men during the war to Athens. The main cause of the Peloponnesian war was the fear Sparta had towards Athens growth in power, that is the Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 9. Peloponnesian War Essay THE PELOPONNESIAN WAR Name Class Date Peloponnesian war took place between 431 and 404 B.C. and involved two Greek city–states, namely, Sparta and Athens. Each of the participants in the warfare was backed by its closest allies as they sought to win at all cost, no matter how long it would take. The conflict started in early 440 B.C. when allies of Athens began revolting against frequent attacks by Sparta. At the height of animosities, situation changed from the clashes between limited formational units to complex military operations with large–scale atrocities. Athens led Peloponnesian combat against the Delian League led by Sparta. The foundation of the hostilities was laid in 423 B.C. when Sparta summoned members of the Peloponnesian League to voice their complaints. A debate that was held involved some unofficially invited guests from Athens. During the discussion, Sparta's allies held that Athens was opposed to the idea of peace, and that there was no need for a dialogue to end the conflict. Sparta did not appear to be concerned about any possible negative consequences of not reconciling with Athens, as it had a huge army of well–trained men. Spartans voted and declared that Athens had broken a peace agreement, which resulted in the Peloponnesian war. Given the quarter of a century that the fighting took, it had numerous negative impacts on Athens and other Greek city–states, which could have been avoided had Sparta and Athens agreed to solve Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 10. Peloponnesian War Strategy Evolution of Strategy Throughout the Peloponnesian War In the years leading up to the Peloponnesian War, Athens and Sparta formed a successful alliance defending Hellas from a Persian invasion. This alliance dissolved soon after leaving two independent city–states in its place. Athens possessed a robust naval force and Sparta possessed a formidable military force. Each possessed unique systems of government and policies that defined markedly different approaches for relationships with their respective allies. These policies shaped the strategies that each city–state developed and implemented during the 27 year Peloponnesian War. This paper examines the evolution of Athenian and Spartan strategy using the ends, ways, and means paradigm; identifies...show more content... Sparta's strategy spread risk among its allies, resulting in a positive cost to benefit ratio. In contrast, Athens was incorrect in its initial assessment of Sparta's capability to become a significant threat and that assessment appeared to changed little leading up to the Sicilian expedition. Further, Athens risked and lost a significant percentage of its own resources on the Sicilian expedition rather than spreading the risk across allies as in the Spartan strategy. It is impossible to know if Sparta's initial vision remained present in its strategic planning throughout the war. It is likewise impossible to know whether or not Athens' initial assumptions regarding Sparta's future capabilities influenced its future strategic evolution. However, by the end of the Sicilian expedition, Sparta's strategy proved sustainable and effective in adapting to changes in the realities, risks, and length of the Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 11. Peloponnesian War Causes The Peloponnesian War was an ancient Greek war fought between Athens and Sparta's Peloponnesian League. The Peloponnesian War had many causes which included anti–Athenian feelings by the Peloponnesian League and competitive feelings for power. It began when Athens started to dominate and treat other members of the delian league like subjects. This in turn caused Sparta to refuse to join the delian league so he created a rival league which was the Peloponnesian League. Once Sparta created his own rival league, the Peloponnesian League, feelings of jealousy accumulated towards the people of Athens and those feelings increased with competitive notions for power. Then when Athens attacked an ally of Sparta's Peloponnesian League, Sparta decided Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 12. Peloponnesian War Essay The Peloponnesian War was a 27 yearlong war fought between Athens and Sparta. Both Athens and Sparta were leaders of their own leagues, Athens and the Delian League and Sparta with the Peloponnesian League. War broke out after Athens failed to adhere to the 30 years treaty, plus ever since its growing size and economic wealth Athens had been acting more like a bully and less like a civilized city–state but anger amongst Sparta and Athens allies only made war more inevitable. Thucydides, who served as a general in the Peloponnesian war stated in his recount of the war, " The growth and the power of Athens, and the alarm which this inspired in Sparta, made war inevitable." Once war had officially begun Pericles, the Athenian leader, suggested...show more content... Although not much different from the Greek themselves, they stilled viewed and considered them semi–barbaric and backwards by Greek standards. The Macedonians were a distinct race but their only difference from the Greeks was how far behind they were in regards to civilization. Some proof to their differences or the way the Greeks viewed the Macedonians starts with their king. The king of Macedonia Phillip II, who reigned from 359–336BCE, was somewhat obsessed with the Greeks and their way of life. He thought the Greeks were the best people in the world and truly loved all things Greek. He married a Greek woman, had a son and did whatever he needed to do in order for him to compete against the Greeks in the Olympics. But although Phillip greatly admired them, he did not hesitate to conquer their land. I feel as though the Hellenistic empire fits with the overall history of the Greek people because of the great fall of Greece to Phillip and Macedonia. Phillip took advantage of Greece once they became exhausted of resources and money after the Peloponnesian War and because of this the Hellenistic empire should be more correctly called the Macedonian empire. Macedonian was able to conquer many areas under Greek rule such as Thessaly and many others. After this, Phillip Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 13. Essay about The Peloponnesian War Throughout the Ancient Greek world, there have been many wars and standoffs. However, there has been only one which changed the course of Greek history forever; the Peloponnesian War. Caused by the growing tension between Athens and Sparta, it came and left, leaving only destruction in its wake. The defeat of Athens in the Peloponnesian War caused the downfall of Greece, and the end of the Classical Age. The roots of the Peloponnesian war can be traced long before 431 BCE, when it officially started. It can be traced back to as early as the Persian Wars, where the Athenians had found their home burned by the hands of the Persians. That disaster left the Athenians with no home and no sanctuary. Even though that was a defeated battle...show more content... The battle between Sparta's well–built army and Athens's exemplary navy was like a battle between a bear and a shark. If the bear goes into the water, the shark wins. However, if the shark enters land, the bear will kill it. The Athenian general and military genius Pericles knew this. Therefore, he devised a strategy that was based on the strength of his navy and the Spartan inability to battle him on sea; he devised a strategy of attrition where they would sit at home, and outlast the enemy (Kagan 52). In his mind, if Athens disregarded the Spartan land attacks, and instead survived off sea trade from their allies, the enemy would be unable to cause much damage. He wanted to drain them out psychologically, to get them to surrender from attacking the Athenian Empire (Kagan 52). One of the most important steps in doing this was to connect Athens to its navy city and their port. They did this by building walls that connected them, later known as the Long Walls (Kagan 9). Back then, walls were almost impregnable to attacks, and were one of the best defenses in the ancient world. Therefore, the addition of the Long Walls made both Athens and the port extremely hard to crack; they were ready for any Spartan land attack that would come their way. When the war finally started and the Spartans did come, they found that their attacks were not going to work. Their strategy of totally crushing the Athenian Empire and fighting a battle of annihilation was countered by the Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 14. Peloponnesian War Essay The Peloponnesian War was a battle between Athens and Sparta for about 30 years. Athens controlled a mass empire with a dominant Navy; however by the end of the war Athens lost their empire and lost control. There are many reasons how this conflict started and how it escalated. In the end both powerful empires fall after many years of fighting. After the Persian Navy was destroyed the Athenians founded the Delian League. Its job was to punish the Persians by taking their colonies and adding them to the Athenian Empire. With no Navy the Persians were defeated. Within 30 years the Athenians controlled the vast Maritime Empire, which contains most of the islands in the Aegean and the coast of Asia. As the Athens began to grow richer and more powerful...show more content... Every Greek City–State sent soldiers to help calm things down. Athens sent over 5000 soldiers; the Spartans however didn't allow them into the country because they believed the Athens was going to abuse this chaos and not help. In 449 BCE two members of the Peloponnesian League, Megara and Corinth started fighting. Athens saw this opportunity to gain a strong hold on the mainland, so Athens formed an alliance with Megara. This resulted in 15 years of fighting. This is considered the first Peloponnesian War. The battle was concluded in 445 BCE which brought the signing of 30 Years' Peace. This 30 Years' Peace was an agreement to not interfere with one another's respected empires. But the terms of the treaty were too much for the Athenians to live by and for the next 15 years they began to oppress the Spartans. Pericles of Athens has been certain the 30 Years' Peace would not hold up. So as soon as the Spartans left the land surrounding Athens, thy started building a wall from Athens to Piraeus. This way the Athens wouldn't have to meet the Spartans on land. It didn't matter if the Spartans stole and burned their fields because Athens had an entire empire to import food from. As long as the Athenians Navy remained supreme and the Athens doesn't expand it can keep the city Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 15. The Peloponnesian War The Peloponnesian War lasted for thirty years, and was orchestrated and fueled by both Athens and Sparta. The Spartans were more to blame for the civil war; they were known for their extensive training of fierce warriors and their passion to overcome any challenge. Sparta's allies, Corinth and Megara were also to be blamed for encouraging the Spartans to engage in war with Athens. Thus invoking and responding to the Athenians challenge leading to a long bloody war that lasted for thirty years. It is clear that the Spartans were to blame for the Peloponnesian War, since they initiated the war, prolonged the war, and brought the war to a halt. Both Athens and Sparta wanted to dominate the Peloponnese Peninsula, each with the same intentions....show more content... It is clear that the Spartans were to blame for the Peloponnesian War by initiating it, prolonging it, and by bringing it to an end and defeating the Athenians. The fore mentioned shows the Spartans were determined to be the most dominant force in the region and we can see that a simple victory wouldn't suffice as they prolonged the war even after it was evident that they were always a force to be reckoned with. Sparta had a rich tradition of training strong male individuals that feared no one. Interesting even Sparta allies, gave in on the fact of sacrificing their lives, but never breaking their alliance to Sparta. Overall the Spartans and her allies were the cause of this bloodstained conflict that lasted for a good twenty–seven Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 16. The Peloponnesian War In his historical account of the Peloponnesian War, Thucydides highlights the historical significance behind the participants of the Melian Dialogue and how their actions contributed to the overall canon of inter–state relations. During this time period, in an attempt to acquire resources for their ongoing fight in the Delian War, the nation–state of Athens turned their attention to the island of Melos as a source of potential resources. After their arrival, the Athenians declared that unless the Melian give tribute to the war effort, their invading army would not hesitate to decimate the area. However, despite Melian attempts to appeal to the Athenians, compromise was futile, and the population of the island was ultimately slaughtered. This...show more content... While several declassified government documents show that high ranking United States officials were knowledgeable about the rampant brutality occurring in Rwanda at the time, no significant step was ever made to directly intervene and halt the violence. Rather, many of the informed actively searched for ways to avoid involvement altogether in fear of the potential negative impact it could have on the United States and the current balance of power. Much of the United States' reluctance to aid Rwanda stemmed from memories of failed peacekeeping endeavors such as Somalia, where active intervention led to the loss of American life. As a result, U.S. officials began associating intervention with high risk scenarios, with potentially disastrous outcomes. Therefore, because the military intervention required to aid Rwanda did not align with American self–interest, United States chose remain as a bystander, overlooking their self–proclaimed commitment to the preservation of humanitarian rights. Ultimately, this example further shows that powerful states will always act in ways that preserve their own security, regardless of how other weak states must suffer as a Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 17. Peloponnesian War Speech Analysis Athens: A great city known for fine arts, great philosophers and diverse culture, crashes down at the hands of the barbaric Spartans during the Peloponnesian War. How could a city this great fall? A grand empire end? A sophisticated city of goodness, justice and democracy? Their morals were corrupted and their leaders hearts were darkened by fear and cowardice. As we read The Peloponnesian War by Thucydides, we see Athens drastically change, but not for the better. After the first few battles of the war,Pericles gives a public funeral service for the fallen soldiers. The speech, though technically a eulogy for the men lost at battle, was used to lift the spirits of the remaining men fighting for the warring state. Many compare this Oration...show more content... The Athenians, frightened for their lives and country, threaten the people of the neutral island Melos to surrender for the greater good. The Athenians desperately needed Melians resources, and during the Melian Dialog show a darker, and surprisingly more "Spartan like" side of themselves. When the Athenians arrive to Melos, the Melian people wish to remain neutral, though the Athenians demand that the island surrender, or else they will destroy their city. The Melians begin to reason and plea with Athens. "Do you not recognise another danger? For, once more, since you drive us from the plea of justice and press upon us your doctrine of expediency, we must show you what is for our interest, and, if it be for yours also, may hope to convince you: Will you not be making enemies of all who are now neutrals? When they see how you are treating us they will expect you some day to turn against them; and if so, are you not strengthening the enemies whom you already have, and bringing upon you others who, if they could help, would never dream of being your enemies at all?" Looking at Athens and comparing their actions towards the Melians to the Oration of Pericles, Athens seems like a different country. Their future looks bleak and their leaders have become corrupted. Their desperation for power and greatness to remain is so great, that they begin to bully smaller and less powerful countries, despite their Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 18. It is one of the most studied wars in history. The Peloponnesian War ravaged Greece for over 30 years during the 5th century B.C., and had a permanent effect on the Greek world. Athens and Sparta, two major city–states, fought each other relentlessly for control of the Mediterranean. The once great empire of Athens would ultimately be defeated, and its counterpart Sparta would be weakened severely as well. This war would negatively affect Greece's world power, and it would pave the way for an invasion by Macedonia later in history. The Peloponnesian War would become a major part in the history of Classical Greece, and it would forever change the lives of the Greek people. The animosity between the great city–states of Athens and Sparta...show more content... The second invasion of Greece by Persia had been defeated, and Sparta had become the leading power of Greece. However, this would be short lived. Soon after the war Sparta retreated into its typical isolationist ways. Which left Athens the chance to become the new leader of Greece. While the Persians may have been defeated in 479 B.C., the threat of attack still remained. An alliance of the city–states of Greece was needed in order to ensure protection against foreign invaders such as Persia. In 478 B.C., the Delian League was formed. It consisted of mainly coastal and Aegean sea city–states, and it was headed by Athens. Initially, its goal was to punish Persia and to free it from Greece's sphere of influence. It was headquartered on the island of Delos, which was where the member states met annually. This was also where the League's treasury was located. While each member was supposed to be represented equally, Athens usually received tribute in the form of money, ships, and sometimes even troops. The League had successfully pacified the Persians, and it quickly started to become part of the Athenian Empire. Members of the League were permanent, and any attempt to leave would mean destruction for the seceding state. Naxos and Thasos are two examples of states that attempted to separate from the League, but they were quickly defeated by the Athenian Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 19. Second Peloponnesian Wars Between the First and Second Peloponnesian Wars Pericles and Athens was involved in many conflicts. A major one of the interwar period was the Second Sacred War. The root of this short conflict was Athens desire to return control of Delphi to its ally the City–State of Phocis. control the Oracle of Delphi Pericles was involved in was the Second Sacred War. During this war Pericles led the Athenian army against Delphi and reinstated Phocis in its sovereign rights on the oracle. Another one occurred in 447 BCE Pericles engaged in his most admired excursion, the expulsion of barbarians from the Thracian peninsula of Gallipoli, in order to establish Athenian colonists in the region. At this time, however, Athens was going through internal problems. Get more content on HelpWriting.net
  • 20. The Great Peloponnesian War The spark that ignited the Great Peloponnesian War was a civil war at Epidamnus, between Corcyra and Corinth. The Corcyraeans had a fleet that was second in size to that of Athens, and the Athenians feared that its capture by Corinth would threaten the Athenian Empire. As a result, the Athenians made an alliance with Corcyra that angered the Corinthians. In the summer of 432 B.C.E., the Spartans met to consider their allies grievances. The Spartans were persuaded that the Athenians had an insatiably aggressive power seeking to enslave all Greeks, which resulted in their declaration of war. The Athenians refused to yield to threats or commands, but the Spartans refused to arbitrate and could not reach any settlement with the Athenians. Get more content on HelpWriting.net