During the Peloponnesian war, the barbarian-like Spartans were masters of all types of war and stopped at nothing for victory. Thucydides …show more content…
They also destroyed valuable Athenian farms and fruit trees for supplies. "It was quite at the end of this period that the war with Aegina and the prospect of the barbarian invasion enabled Themistocles to persuade the Athenians to build a fleet with which they fought at Salamis."4 The Athenians preferred naval battles over land battles since their navy war far more superior. The Athenians designed their ships with a light wooden shell so they could move fast in the water. Because the wood was so light the ships when filled with water would float instead of sink. They also were equipped with a bronze ram on the front for puncturing holes in enemy ships. The Athenians navel army, though very powerful still was vanquished by the Spartans strategy by a surprise attack. The Athenian navy was met by the opposing Spartan feet lead by General Lysander out on the open sea. For five uneventful days they stalked each other. On the fifth day, the Athenian fleet returned to shore. Just as the Athenians vacated ships, the Spartans sprung to action and wiped out their fleet. With their fortress surrounded, victory slipped from their grasp when the Athenian navy was ambushed and