The Peloponnesian War's initial phase, the Archidamian War, saw Athens and Sparta clash with contrasting military strategies. Athens, led by Pericles, relied on naval strength and defensive tactics, while Sparta leveraged its hoplite infantry. The war was marked by the devastating Athenian plague, the strategic Battle of Pylos, and shifts in Athenian policy post-Pericles. The Peace of Nicias and the Siege of Melos highlight the period's complexity and the brutal nature of Athenian imperialism.
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The Peloponnesian War was a prolonged conflict between Athens and Sparta, with the first phase known as the Archidamian War
Sparta's Land-Based Might
Sparta's strength lay in its highly trained hoplites and land-based military tactics
Athens' Naval Superiority
Athens' control of the sea routes allowed it to dominate the Aegean Sea and sustain itself during the war
Under the leadership of Pericles, Athens adopted a defensive strategy and faced a devastating plague that impacted the war's trajectory
After Pericles' death, Athens became more aggressive in its military strategy, seeking to exploit Spartan weaknesses
The capture of 292 Spartan hoplites at the Battle of Pylos marked a turning point in the war and challenged the myth of Spartan invincibility
Despite suffering setbacks, Sparta launched a successful counteroffensive under General Brasidas
The Peace of Nicias, negotiated in 421 BCE, temporarily halted hostilities between Athens and Sparta
The Battle of Mantinea in 418 BCE reaffirmed Sparta's military dominance in the region and led to the disbandment of an anti-Spartan coalition
During a truce with Sparta, Athens pursued its imperial ambitions by laying siege to the neutral island of Melos
The siege of Melos exemplified the brutal nature of Athenian imperialism and its disregard for Greek diplomatic and warfare norms
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Duration of the Peloponnesian War
431-404 BCE
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Spartan strategy in the Archidamian War
Invade Attica, cut Athenian resources, force Athenians behind Long Walls
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Athenian economic sustenance during sieges
Controlled sea routes, avoided famine, maintained trade and tribute income
