Turning Points: The Peloponnesian War (431-401 BC)

Following the Persian War, Athenian power rose unchallenged. They formed the Delian League which was meant to defend Greece against Persia. However, as the Persian threat never returned, the Athenians turned the League into their Empire. They went as far as using Delian League revenue for the beautification of Athens. When we think of the Greek Golden Age of art and architecture, this is it.

Delian League members resented Athenian power and dominance. Eventually, Sparta felt threatened and war broke out. Athens held the advantage at sea while Sparta held the advantage on land. As a result, Athenian leader Pericles’ strategy was to avoid combat on land. He pulled the population inside the Walls of Athens. Sparta devastated the land, but a stalemate developed. Neither side could win. On top of this, the boneheaded Athenian strategy led to an outbreak of plague which killed Pericles and many Athenians. The war’s first stage ended in 421 BC with the Peace of Nicias.

In 415 BC, the war began anew. Athenian aristocrat Alcibiades persuaded his fellow citizens to renew the war. Athenian general Nicias tried to dissuade the voters from going back to war with Sparta. He put forth a well thought out logical argument for keeping the peace. On the other hand, Alcibiades made an Obama-esque appeal to the population. Fluff trumped logic. Athens invaded Sicily and got creamed.

After the destruction of the Athenian Expeditionary Force, Alcibiades switched sides lest he face the death penalty for the Athenian military disaster. Meanwhile, Sparta launched a new offensive. In 413 BC, Sparta supported rebellions against Athens throughout the Greek world. In particular, Athens lost key ports to these rebellions. This nullified their naval superiority. Sparta, with Persian financial assistance, was able to finally defeat Athens. The Athenians sued for Peace.

After the surrender, Athenian democracy was suspended. They were ruled by the “Thirty Tyrants” for a short period. Athenian power was broken. Sparta continued to be a power until they were defeated in 371 BC by Thebes. Eventually, the Macedonians conquered both. As a side note, the defeat of Athens led to the rise of Greek Philosophers such as Socrates and Plato that held democracy in contempt.