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The Peloponnesian War (431-404 BC) was a significant conflict between Athens and Sparta that reshaped ancient Greek history. It involved strategies of attrition, the catastrophic Sicilian Expedition, and the rise of Spartan dominance after Athens' defeat. The war concluded with the establishment of the Thirty Tyrants in Athens and set the stage for Macedonian ascendancy.
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The Peloponnesian War took place from 431 to 404 BC and involved Athens and its Delian League allies against the Peloponnesian League led by Sparta
Thucydides' Account
The war is notable for being chronicled by the historian Thucydides, who provided a detailed account of its events and the shifting political landscape
Impact on Greek World
The war's conclusion saw the fall of Athens, the establishment of Spartan dominance, and the weakening of the entire Greek city-state system
The Peloponnesian War is divided into three main phases: the Archidamian War, the Sicilian Expedition, and the Ionian or Decelean War
The initial phase of the war, the Archidamian War, was named after the Spartan King Archidamus II
The Archidamian War was characterized by annual invasions of Athenian territory and a strategy of attrition
Despite facing defeat, Athens managed to avoid complete defeat and even launched counterattacks
The Sicilian Expedition was a disastrous Athenian attempt to conquer Syracuse, leading to a massive loss of troops and ships
The Sicilian Expedition marked a turning point in the war, with increased Persian involvement and a stronger Spartan navy
The defeat in the Sicilian Expedition weakened Athens and set the stage for their ultimate defeat in the war
The Ionian or Decelean War saw increased Persian involvement as they provided financial support to Sparta
The Spartan commander Lysander played a crucial role in securing decisive victories for Sparta
The defeat of Athens in the Ionian or Decelean War resulted in the dismantling of its empire and the establishment of an oligarchic government under the Thirty Tyrants
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Duration and Belligerents of the Peloponnesian War
431-404 BC; Athens/Delian League vs. Sparta/Peloponnesian League
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Primary Historian of the Peloponnesian War
Thucydides chronicled the war in detail, analyzing political shifts.
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Impact on Greek City-State System Post-War
Weakened city-states; set stage for Macedonian/Roman dominance.
