Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta from "summary" of The Histories by Herodotus
The great conflict that erupted between Athens and Sparta was a long and brutal war that changed the course of Greek history. The causes of this war can be traced back to the growing power and influence of Athens, which threatened the traditional dominance of Sparta in the region. The Athenians, with their powerful navy and ambitious leader Pericles, sought to expand their empire and exert their influence over the other city-states. Sparta, on the other hand, was a conservative and militaristic society that viewed Athens' growing power as a threat to their own security. The Spartans were determined to stop the spread of Athenian influence and protect their own interests. As tensions between the two sides escalated, a series of disputes and conflicts broke out, eventually leading to the outbreak of full-scale war. The Peloponnesian War was a brutal and protracted conflict that lasted for nearly three decades. It was a war of attrition, with both sides suffering heavy losses and devastation. The Athenians, with their powerful navy, initially had the upper hand, but the Spartans, with their superior land forces and military expertise, were able to gradually wear down the Athenians and their allies. The war was marked by a series of bloody battles and sieges, as well as political intrigue and betrayal. Both sides engaged in acts of treachery and deceit in their efforts to gain the upper hand. The war also had a devastating impact on the civilian population, as cities were besieged, crops destroyed, and economies ruined. In the end, the war ended in defeat for Athens, as the city was weakened by a devastating plague and a series of military setbacks. The Spartans emerged victorious, but their victory came at a high cost, as the war had left both sides exhausted and depleted. The Peloponnesian War was a tragic chapter in Greek history, a conflict that tore apart the fabric of Greek society and left a lasting legacy of bitterness and resentment.
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