Surrender of Athens: What Happened
In the spring of 404 BC, after months of siege by land and sea, Athens surrendered to Sparta, ending the Peloponnesian War after 27 years. Following the destruction of its fleet at Aegospotami, the city was cut off from the Black Sea grain supply, and its people began to starve. The Athenian statesman Theramenes negotiated the terms with Sparta. Some of Sparta's allies, especially Corinth and Thebes, demanded that Athens be destroyed completely and its people enslaved. Sparta refused, reportedly unwilling to destroy a city that had done so much for Greece during the Persian Wars. The terms were still harsh. Athens had to tear down the Long Walls and the fortifications of Piraeus, surrender all but twelve of its warships, give up its empire, allow its exiles to return and follow Sparta's lead in foreign affairs. According to the ancient writer Xenophon, the walls were pulled down to the music of flute girls, as Sparta's allies celebrated what they believed was the beginning of freedom for Greece. Within months, a pro-Spartan oligarchy took control of Athens.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Athens surrender to Sparta?
Athens surrendered to Sparta in the spring of 404 BC, after a siege by land and sea, ending the Peloponnesian War after 27 years.
Why didn't Sparta destroy Athens?
Corinth and Thebes demanded that Athens be destroyed, but Sparta refused, reportedly unwilling to destroy a city that had done so much for Greece during the Persian Wars.
What were the terms of Athens' surrender?
Athens had to tear down the Long Walls and the walls of Piraeus, surrender all but twelve ships, give up its empire, allow exiles to return and follow Sparta in foreign affairs.
Who negotiated the surrender of Athens?
The Athenian statesman Theramenes negotiated the terms with the Spartans, spending months on the talks while the people of Athens starved under the siege.
What happened to Athens after its surrender?
Within months, a pro-Spartan oligarchy known as the Thirty Tyrants took control of Athens, backed by a Spartan garrison, and began a brief but brutal reign of terror.
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