The Peloponnesian War was an epic conflict between two powerful Greek city-states, Athens and Sparta, that took place between 431 and 404 BC. The historian Thucydides, known as the "father of scientific historiography," wrote a monumental work titled "The History of the Peloponnesian War" detailing this conflict. Here's a summary of the key events:
Causes: The rivalry between Athens and Sparta, two of the main Greek powers, intensified due to political, economic and territorial differences.
Beginning: The war began in 431 BC. when Sparta and her allies declared war on Athens and her allies, marking the beginning of a protracted conflict.
Pericles: The Athenian leader Pericles applied a "Long Walls" strategy that involved the withdrawal of the population within the walls of Athens, while the Athenian navy dominated the Aegean Sea.
Plague of Athens: During the war, Athens suffered a plague that decimated its population, including Pericles. This plague weakened the city and its leadership.
Sparta Coup: Sparta gained help from Persia and finally defeated Athens at the Battle of Aegospotamos in 405 BC, capturing its naval fleet.
Surrender of Athens: Athens surrendered in 404 BC. and was subjected to harsh peace conditions imposed by Sparta. This marked the end of the Peloponnesian War.
Consequences: The war left Greece in a state of exhaustion and weakness, allowing other powers, such as Macedonia, to rise in the future.
Thucydides' account is an invaluable source for understanding the Peloponnesian War and the political and human aspects that surrounded it.
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