13 Questions
What event led to Sparta declaring war on Athens in 431 BC?
Athens converting the Delian League into an empire
What factor significantly weakened Athens during the Peloponnesian War?
A plague outbreak brought in by tainted grain
Which city-state was renowned for its military strength as an infantry force?
Sparta
What led to Athens' attempt to conquer Syracuse?
The defeat of the Athenian Navy at Euboea
What strategy did Athens implement to weaken Sparta during the Peloponnesian War?
Blockade strategy
Who switched sides and fought for Sparta during the Peloponnesian War?
Alcibiades
What ended with the 50-year Peace of Callias?
The war between Athens and Sparta
What did Athens form and convert into an empire through tribute from members?
Delian League
What led to the rebellion and trade conflicts faced by Corinth due to Athens' expansion?
Athens' expansion and dominance in the maritime arena
What weakened Athens significantly during the Peloponnesian War?
Plague outbreak brought in by tainted grain
What caused revolts in Ionia during the Peloponnesian War?
Athens raising tribute leading to revolts
What resource became scarce leading to the short-lived hegemony of Sparta?
Spartan infantry force
What was Athens renowned for in terms of military power?
Naval power
Study Notes
- Athens and Sparta, two powerful ancient Greek city-states, engaged in a long-lasting conflict known as the Peloponnesian War.
- Athens, a naval power, had previously defeated the Persians at sea in the Persian Wars.
- Sparta, an infantry force, was renowned for its military strength.
- Athens formed the Delian League, converting it into an empire through tribute from members.
- Corinth, a dominant maritime power before Athens, faced rebellion and trade conflicts due to Athens' expansion.
- The first Peloponnesian War (15 years) ended with a fragile peace.
- Hostility between Athens and Corinth continued, leading Sparta to declare war on Athens in 431 BC to end the Athenian Empire.
- Athens implemented a blockade strategy, cutting off Sparta's trade and supplies.
- A plague outbreak in Athens, brought in by tainted grain, weakened the city significantly.
- The war ended with the 50-year Peace of Callias, which never fully took effect.
- Athens, weakened by the plague and losses, attempted to conquer Syracuse.
- The failure of the Syracuse expedition led to the raising of tribute, causing revolts in Ionia.
- Alcibiades, Athenian statesman, switched sides and fought for Sparta, receiving Persian support to build a stronger navy.
- Sparta decisively defeated the Athenian Navy at Euboea, leading to Athens' surrender and Spartan hegemony over Greece.
- Sparta's hegemony was short-lived as its primary resource, Spartan warriors, became scarce.
- Philip of Macedon eventually conquered the Greek city-states.
- Sparta's weakness led to the rise of Philip of Macedon, the father of Alexander the Great.
Test your knowledge of the Peloponnesian War and the conflict between Athens and Sparta, two powerful ancient Greek city-states. Explore the key events, strategies, and outcomes of this significant historical conflict.
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