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The ascension of Athens post-Greco-Persian Wars and the formation of the Delian League set the stage for the Peloponnesian War. Athens' growing power, exemplified by the Long Walls and naval expansion, alongside the imposition of policies on allies, fueled tensions with Sparta. The fragile Thirty Years' Peace, marred by conflicts like the Samian revolt and the Megarian Decree, ultimately collapsed, leading to war.
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Athens formed the Delian League as a defensive alliance against Persian aggression, but eventually used it to establish an empire
During this period, Athens rose to power through the construction of fortifications, the growth of its navy, and the flourishing of its culture
Athens' expansion and imposition of its policies on its allies led to discontent and eventual conflict with Sparta and its allies
Tensions between Athens and Sparta were fueled by Athenian fortifications, involvement in conflicts, and Sparta's dismissal of Athenian aid
The First Peloponnesian War, which began in 459 BC, ended with the Thirty Years' Peace in 446/5 BC, a fragile agreement that did little to resolve underlying animosities
The Samian revolt, the Battle of Sybota, and the Battle of Potidaea revealed the fragility of the peace and the growing hostilities between Athens and Sparta
The Megarian Decree, which imposed economic sanctions on Megara, further strained diplomatic relations and ultimately led to the declaration of war by Sparta
The Spartan assembly, swayed by the bellicose rhetoric of the ephor Sthenelaidas, concluded that Athens had violated the Thirty Years' Peace and declared war
The decision of the Spartan assembly marked the end of diplomacy and the beginning of the devastating Peloponnesian War
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Delian League purpose
Defensive alliance against Persian aggression, led by Athens.
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Transformation of Delian League
Athens converted the League into an empire, controlling members through military force and tribute.
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Consequences of Athenian imperialism
Expansion and imposition of policies led to unrest, setting the stage for the Peloponnesian War with Sparta.
