Peloponnesian War: What Happened
The Peloponnesian War was a long and devastating conflict fought from 431 to 404 BC between Athens and its empire on one side and Sparta and its Peloponnesian League allies on the other. According to the historian Thucydides, who fought in it and wrote its history, the real cause was Spartan fear of Athens' growing power. Disputes involving Corinth, Corcyra, Potidaea and Megara provided the immediate spark. Athens, under Pericles, relied on its navy and Long Walls, while Sparta invaded Attica each year with its powerful army. The war passed through several phases, including a plague that killed Pericles, a fragile peace in 421 BC, the disastrous Athenian expedition to Sicily from 415 to 413 BC, and a final phase in which Persia funded a Spartan fleet. The Spartan admiral Lysander destroyed the Athenian navy at Aegospotami in 405 BC, and Athens surrendered in 404 BC. The war ended Athens' empire and golden age, weakened the whole Greek world, and set the stage for the later rise of Macedon under Philip II.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Peloponnesian War?
The Peloponnesian War was a long conflict fought from 431 to 404 BC between Athens and its empire and Sparta and its allies in the Peloponnesian League.
What caused the Peloponnesian War?
According to Thucydides, the real cause was Sparta's fear of Athens' growing power. Disputes involving Corinth, Corcyra, Potidaea and Megara provided the immediate spark.
Who won the Peloponnesian War?
Sparta won. With Persian money, it built a fleet that destroyed the Athenian navy at Aegospotami in 405 BC, and Athens surrendered in 404 BC.
What were the main events of the Peloponnesian War?
Key events included the Plague of Athens, the capture of Spartans at Sphacteria, the Peace of Nicias, the disastrous Sicilian Expedition and the final Athenian defeat at Aegospotami.
Who wrote the history of the Peloponnesian War?
The Athenian general Thucydides wrote the History of the Peloponnesian War. His careful, analytical approach made it one of the most influential history books ever written.
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