How did the Peloponnesian War start?
The Peloponnesian War was a devastating conflict that lasted from 431 to 404 BCE, pitting the city-states of Athens and Sparta against each other. This war was a pivotal moment in ancient Greek history, marking the decline of Athenian power and the rise of Spartan dominance. But how did this conflict start?
The Background to the War
The Peloponnesian War was not a sudden, unexpected event. Instead, it was the culmination of years of tension and conflict between Athens and Sparta. The two city-states had long been rivals, with Athens being the dominant power in the region.
The Megarian Decree
One of the key events that contributed to the outbreak of war was the Megarian Decree. In 435 BCE, the Athenian government passed a decree that banned Megara, a city-state allied with Sparta, from trading with Athens. This decree was a major blow to Megara’s economy, as it relied heavily on trade with Athens.
Spartan Intervention
The Spartans saw the Megarian Decree as an opportunity to strike back at Athens. In 434 BCE, they sent a delegation to Megara, where they persuaded the city-state to break its alliance with Athens. The Spartans then began to build up their military forces, preparing for war.
Corcyra and Potidaea
Two other events also contributed to the outbreak of war. In 435 BCE, the city-state of Corcyra (modern-day Corfu) sought the help of Athens against its rival, Potidaea. Athens agreed to support Corcyra, and a small Athenian fleet was sent to the region.
The Battle of Sphacteria
In 429 BCE, a Spartan force was sent to the island of Sphacteria, where it defeated an Athenian fleet. This victory gave the Spartans control of the sea and allowed them to blockade the port of Athens.
The Athenian Decree
In response to the Spartan blockade, the Athenian government passed a decree that allowed Athens to seize control of all of the territories of its allies. This decree was seen as a major threat by the Spartans, who felt that it undermined the balance of power in the region.
The Declaration of War
In 431 BCE, the Spartans declared war on Athens, citing the Athenian Decree as the reason. The war was initially fought on land, with both sides suffering heavy losses. The Athenians were able to hold their own against the Spartans, thanks to their superior navy.
Key Events of the War
Here is a table summarizing some of the key events of the Peloponnesian War:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 431 BCE | The Spartans declare war on Athens |
| 429 BCE | The Battle of Sphacteria gives the Spartans control of the sea |
| 427 BCE | The Athenians win a major victory at Pylos |
| 425 BCE | The Athenians win a major victory at Delium |
| 424 BCE | The Spartans win a major victory at Mantinea |
| 422 BCE | The Athenians suffer a major defeat at the Battle of Amphipolis |
| 420 BCE | The Spartans win a major victory at Cythera |
| 416 BCE | The Athenians win a major victory at Cyzicus |
| 415 BCE | The Athenians send an expedition to Sicily, which ends in disaster |
| 413 BCE | The Spartans win a major victory at Abydos |
| 412 BCE | The Spartans win a major victory at Cyzicus |
| 411 BCE | The Athenians suffer a major defeat at the Battle of the Eurymedon |
| 409 BCE | The Athenians win a major victory at the Battle of Cyzicus |
| 405 BCE | The Spartans win a major victory at the Battle of Aegospotami |
| 404 BCE | The Spartans capture Athens and the war ends |
Conclusion
The Peloponnesian War was a complex and multifaceted conflict that was sparked by a combination of factors. The Megarian Decree, Spartan intervention, the Corcyra and Potidaea crisis, the Battle of Sphacteria, and the Athenian Decree all contributed to the outbreak of war. The war itself was marked by numerous battles and sieges, with both sides suffering heavy losses. In the end, the Spartans emerged victorious, marking the end of Athenian dominance and the beginning of Spartan hegemony.
