Decline of Spartan power after the war from "summary" of The Histories by Herodotus
After the war, the Spartans, who had once been the most powerful force in Greece, began to see their influence wane. The costly conflict had taken a toll on their resources and manpower, leaving them weakened and vulnerable. Without the spoils of war to sustain them, they struggled to maintain their dominance over the region. Furthermore, the war had strained their relationships with their allies and neighbors. The brutal tactics they had employed during the conflict had alienated many, turning former friends into enemies. As a result, they found themselves isolated and surrounded by potential threats. Internally, the Spartans also faced challenges. The rigid social structure that had once been the foundation of their society began to show cracks. The helots, the enslaved population that provided the labor necessary for Spartan life, grew restless and rebellious. Without their support, the Spartans found it difficult to maintain their way of life. In addition, the war had exposed weaknesses in their military strategy. Their reliance on heavy infantry and conservative tactics had been effective in the past, but new threats required new approaches. The rise of more flexible and innovative armies put them at a disadvantage on the battlefield. As a result of these factors, the Spartans found themselves in a precarious position. Once the undisputed masters of Greece, they now struggled to maintain their power and influence. Their decline, while gradual, was unmistakable. The war had changed them, and they would never be the same again.
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