1. Global History I Spiconardi
The Peloponnesian War
Global History I
Spiconardi

2. Causes
Competition between Athens (Delian & Sparta (Peloponnesian League)
Other poleis had to ally themselves with either Athens or Sparta
Athens tried to expand empire with its new naval power and wealth
Sparta feared “the power & growth of Athens”

3. The War Sparta has superior infantry & wants a land war
Athens has a superior navy and wants a sea war
Spartans outnumber Athenians 2:1
Sparta believes it will be an easy victory
Not so fast…It turns out to be a 27 year long war

4. The War
Strategy
Athens makes surprise naval attacks then retreats behind the polis walls

5. The Plague Symptoms Impact Kills thousands over several years
Athenian general Pericles is killed
New leaders are risky and incompetent war planners

6. Peace of Nicias (421 B.C.)
Despite devastation of the plague, both sides are at a stalemate
A temporary peace treaty is signed (6 years)

7. INVASION IS A COMPLETE FAILURE
Round 2
Athenian leader Nicias is convinced to invade the Spartan ally of Syracuse
INVASION IS A COMPLETE FAILURE
Sparta receives money from the Persian Empire to build navy in order to crush Athens

8. Why would Persians side with the Spartans?

9. Round 2
Sparta raids Athenian countryside and burns crops & takes over silver mines
Without food supplies and money
ATHENS SURRENDERS!

10. Legacy of the War Athenian Empire collapses
Sparta establishes an oligarchy in Athens called the Thirty Tyrants
Athenians would overthrow them & return to a democracy
Athens and Sparta no longer as dominant as they once were
Without a true powerhouse for protection
Macedonian King Philip II & his son Alexander able to conquer Greece
END OF CLASSICAL GREECE (404 B.C.)