Peloponnesian Wars History

Study Notes

The Peloponnesian Wars were a major conflict between Athens and Sparta, well-documented by Thucydides, leading to the formation of the Delian League by Athens and the Peloponnesian League by Sparta.
Athens, previously a marginal player, rose to power after defeating Persia and became the leader of the Delian League, transforming it into an Athenian Empire, causing anxiety in Sparta.
The construction of Long Walls in Athens and the Helot Revolt in Messenia contributed to the growing tensions between Athens and Sparta.
Athens' military and political prestige continued to grow through campaigns in various regions, leading to the relocation of the Delian League's treasury to Athens, causing displeasure among its allies.
Athens' power was further strengthened through the development of its navy, leading to conflicts with other Peloponnesian states such as Aegina, eventually resulting in the First Peloponnesian War.
Battles such as Tanagra and Oenophyta highlighted the conflict between Sparta and Athens, with Sparta winning Tanagra but Athens emerging victorious at Oenophyta.
The war in Egypt strained Athens' resources, leading to a temporary truce brokered by Cimon in 451 BCE and the negotiation of the Peace of Kallias in 449 BCE, solidifying Athenian control over coastal Asia Minor.- Sparta initiated the Second Sacred War to control the pilgrimage center of Delphi, leading to conflicts with Athens and other Greek cities.
Athens intervened in Delphi to push out the Spartans, resulting in the battle of Coronaea which ended in a pre-war status quo.
The Samian-Milesian dispute triggered a war between Athens and Samos, leading to revolts in other cities like Mytilene, Byzantium, Caria, and Chalkidiki.
Athens crushed the revolt with 70 triremes, establishing itself as the hegemonic master of the Delian League.
The Thirty Years Peace between Sparta and Athens was shattered when trade interests and conflicts with Corinth escalated.
The Battle of Sybota between Corcyra and Corinth marked the beginning of the Peloponnesian War's Archidamian phase.
The Archidamian War saw Spartan invasions of Attica and Athenian naval blockades, leading to civilian deaths and refugee influx into Athens.
Perikles reassured Athenians that strategy and navy strength would secure victory, as demonstrated in his Epitaphios Logos funeral oration.
Perikles died from the Plague in 429 BCE, a year after delivering his iconic funeral oration.
The Peloponnesian League attempted to lift the Athenian blockade at Rhium in 429 BCE, leading to naval conflicts with Athens.- Athenians sent Phormio to lead an assault on Rhium, a strategic location near Patra where Peloponnesians had many transport ships.
Phormio, known for naval maneuvering, utilized weather tactics and surrounded Peloponnesian fleet, crushing them in a naval battle.
In a separate battle at Stratia, Athenians emerged victorious against Peloponnesians and their allies.
Another battle at Naupaktos saw Athenians defeating Peloponnesians by outmaneuvering them in naval combat.
Spartolus battle resulted in a defeat for Athenians against hoplites, peltasts, and auxiliaries, leading to retreat to Potidaea.
Peloponnesian War officially began when Thebes attacked Plataea, leading to a siege by Spartans and eventual destruction of the city.
Mytilene revolted against Athens with the support of Sparta and Boeotia, leading to a failed siege by Athenians and eventual surrender.
The Mytilenean Debate in Athens resulted in a motion to execute all male citizens but was reversed due to arguments for moderation.
Athens planned a massive assault on Boeotia and Aetolia in 426 BCE, with mixed results due to internal conflicts and external forces.