The Peloponnesian War led to the decline of Athens from "summary" of The Greeks by Paul Cartledge
The Peloponnesian War was a catastrophic conflict that lasted for almost three decades, from 431 to 404 BCE, between Athens and Sparta, the two most powerful city-states in ancient Greece. The war was a result of the growing tension between the two rivals, fueled by Sparta's fear of Athens' increasing power and influence in the region. Athens, a democratic city-state known for its cultural and intellectual achievements, was at the height of its power during the early stages of the war. The city was the leader of the Delian League, an alliance of city-states formed to defend against the Persian Empire, and its navy was unrivaled in the Mediterranean. However, the prolonged and devastating conflict with Sparta took a heavy toll on Athens, both economically and militarily. The war drained Athens' resources and manpower, leading to a decline in its economic prosperity and military strength. The city suffered from food shortages, disease outbreaks, and internal strife, as the war dragged on with no clear resolution in sight. The loss of its overseas territories and trade routes further weakened Athens' economy, as its main sources of income were cut off by the Spartan blockade. Despite its resilience and determination, Athens was eventually defeated by Sparta in 404 BCE, marking the end of its golden age. The defeat had a profound impact on the city, as it lost its empire, its wealth, and its political influence in the region. The once mighty city-state was forced to surrender to Sparta and accept harsh terms of peace, which included the dismantling of its democratic government and the loss of its naval power.- As it marked the beginning of its decline as a major power in the ancient world. The war exposed the vulnerabilities of Athens' democratic system and its overreliance on naval power, which ultimately led to its downfall. The city never fully recovered from the devastating effects of the war, and its glory days as the cultural and intellectual center of Greece were overshadowed by its defeat at the hands of Sparta.
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