Peloponnesian War Essay

Submitted By rosastanley1
Words: 3546
Pages: 15
Open Document
Peloponnesian War Prior to the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War, Athens and Sparta were on good terms with one another. The Persian War served as the fundamental basis of the cooperation between the two states. In the attempt to put an end to Persian invasion of Greece, Athenian and Spartan militaries joined forces; however, relations between Athens and Sparta began to degenerate rather rapidly following the end of the Persian rule over Grecian empires. There were many disagreements from both sides and the inability to comply with one another only escalated the dilemma. The probability of war was on the high rise. To add to the complications that already existed between Athenian and Spartan powers, the fact that they had contrasting forms of government only heightened the possibility of the two states going to war. While Sparta took on the role of being an ultra conservative state, Athens was successfully implementing their democratic model of government in other states. Any knowledge obtained with respect to the causes of the Peloponnesian War and the events that occurred throughout the longevity of its existence is due to former Athenian commander Thucydides’ writings regarding this conflict. The causes of the Peloponnesian War were not only a consequence of differing political cultures but was also “centered on disputes between Athens and Sparta on whether they had a free hand in dealing with each other's allies” (Martin). The Greek city-states of Athens and Sparta had contrasting political cultures and governments. This within itself presented huge complications, one of opposing ideas and beliefs resulting in warfare and the existence of long-held hostilities between the two states. This is evident in the accumulation of problematic actions being carried out by the two over the span of the 27 years long war. The lack of communication between the differing states as well as the incapability of adhering to any peace settlements long enough to end the conflict only prolonged the war. Sparta’s insecurity of Athens growing increasingly powerful is the underlying reason for the lead up of several events to the Peloponnesian War.
“Ancient Greece in 431 BC was not a nation. It was a large collection of [autonomous] rival city-states located on the Greek mainland, on the west coast of Asia Minor, and on the many islands of the Aegean Sea. Most of the city-states had become allied with one or the other of the leading military powers, Athens and Sparta” (thinkquest). Athens was an imperialist state that had colonies in Asia Minor, along the coastlines of the Black Sea as well as in the Western Mediterranean it was also the most populated city-state within Greece. Democratization of Athens began in 507 BC, Athenian government did away with their primordial form of governance in which tyranny was prevalent, and adopted the current position of having a democratic government. Each month, 500 individual Athenian citizens were chosen to form councils in order to discuss and decide on political matters. Under the leadership of Pericles, Athens formed alliances with numerous Grecian city-states. “Author historian Donald Kagan says the members [of the Delian League] included about 20 members from the Greek islands, 36 Ionian city-states, 35 from the Hellespont, 24 from around Caria, and 33 from around Thrace, making it primarily an organization of the Aegean islands and coast” (Gill). This alliance in which Athens claimed its spot at the top, was referred to as the Delian League. Spartan’s fear of the spread of Athenian supremacy escalated when the Delian League later became known as the Athenian Empire. Unlike Sparta, Athens had the most powerful naval force throughout all of Greece and as a result was respected by those inferior to Athenian supremacy.
Sparta’s government on the other hand, was an oligarchy. During this particular point in time, Sparta was “ruled by two kings, an assembly of elders, and an assembly of
Show More

Related Documents: Peloponnesian War Essay

Peloponnesian War

6A Section 3 Reading Questions: Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War, 431 BC Why did Thucydides write the history of the Peloponnesian War? Thucydides wrote the history of the Peloponnesian war after he himself served as a general in the Peloponnesian war. He did this to show the sequence of events of the war and also to show how humans react in a time of turmoil and chaos. Which aspects of Athenian culture does Thucydides value the most? Thucydides valued the democratic government…

Words 477 - Pages 2

Peloponnesian War Causes

The cause of the Peloponnesian Wars and the war itself, occurred in the year of 431 B.C.E. According to Thucydides in his book, History of the Peloponnesian War, the conflict began with the Spartans and the Athenians. The Athenians were a great naval power which put fear in the hearts of the Spartans. The Spartans feared that they would lose control of the Peloponnesian League. When the Athenians later got into conflicts with two of Sparta’s allies, Corinth and Megara, the allies of Sparta considered…

Words 499 - Pages 2

Peloponnesian War Research Paper

The Peloponnesian War took place between the Athenian empire and Peloponnesian league: Thebes, Corinth and Sparta. The war commenced in April 431 B.C. when the Thebans launched a surprise attack on Plataea, a partner of Athens. The main reason for the start of the war was the Spartans fear of Athens' growing power. After Athens became leader of the Delian League, they became the Athenian Empire. Both Sparta and Athens were unusually powerful; Greek states that could afford to ignore the old rules…

Words 437 - Pages 2

Generosity In Peloponnesian War

had fallen in a war. Before the burial ceremony, offerings were to be brought to the relatives of their dead friends. During the battle, some bodies couldn’t be recovered. To cater for the missinf bodies, an empty bier could be used while cypress coffins were used for the found bodies. These bodies would be laid in a public sepulture within the City that was for all those who died during the war. Pericles, son of Xanthipus, was the Athenian Leader at the time of the Peloponnesian War. After those who…

Words 1370 - Pages 6

The Clouds and the History of Peloponnesian War Essay

“Clouds” and the “History of Peloponnesian War” Undeniably, the ancient Greek society places a heavy emphasis on values and traditions. The two texts of the “Clouds” by Aristophanes and “History of the Peloponnesian war” by Thucydides, although contextually divergent, are actually conceptually convergent. Both texts are built around the central theme of the collapse of conventional values. While the breakdown of traditional values in the “History of the Peloponnesian war” is presented in a more metaphorical…

Words 1928 - Pages 8

Peloponnesian Wars Research Paper

The Peloponnesian wars started April 25,431 B.C-404B.C.The Peloponnesian wars was a war between the two most powerful Greek city-states, Spartans, and the Athens.The wars lasted twenty-seven years. The war started because the Athens were becoming too powerful than the other Greek city-states. The Spartans and the other Greek city-states feared the Athenians. The Spartans were tired of being under the Athenians power. When that happen the Spartans declared war on the Athenians. The Peloponnesian…

Words 335 - Pages 2

Peloponnesian War Research Paper

The Peloponnesian War was a lengthy and devastating conflict between the ancient Greek city-states of Athens and Sparta that lasted from 431 to 404 BCE. What initially began as a territorial dispute quickly spiralled into a lengthy war that engulfed much of the Greek world. While Athens initially held naval superiority backed by its strong economy, democratic political system, and the leadership of Pericles, a combination of poor strategic decisions and external factors ultimately led to its defeat…

Words 1842 - Pages 8

Analysis Of Pericles 'Peloponnesian War'

its position all the more remarkable. Assessing this it is crucial to recognise that the available material and our own preconceptions influence our view of classical Athens. The only complete record at our disposal is Thucydides work “ The Peloponnesian War”. This is regarded as the foremost source on period Athenian life, of which it is acknowledged to provide an accurate and reliable representation. Within this history is recorded Pericles funeral oration. The importance of the speech’s orator…

Words 1187 - Pages 5

Athenian Vs Peloponnesian War

"It is a common mistake in going war to begin at the wrong end, to act first, and wait for disasters to discuss the matter."1 Athens was a powerful and structurally sound city. This being said, every city, regardless of how mighty it is, has its weakness. Athens had been long-term enemies with Sparta, and tension had been straining their treaty. Although the Athenians were conscientiously prepared for war, they were met with obstacles on all sides. Athens fell prey to various attacks in addition…

Words 924 - Pages 4

Peloponnesian War Sarah Salchow Essay

Peloponnesian War What would you do to be the best? To be the most powerful? Athens and Sparta are both extremely powerful Greek city­states. Athens excels in art, philosophy and literature, while Sparta focuses on a strong military and a simple, frugal lifestyle. Jealousy sparked between the rising powers of Athens, escalating in a bitter and destructive civil conflict that had been divided into three sections lasting three decades. The Spartans forced the Athenians to unconditionally surrender…

Words 487 - Pages 2