Peloponnesian War

• Right after the Greco-Persian War, Athens decided to establish their own league to be able to defend themselves against invasions
• Delian League


  A league established by Athens with other maritime city-states, specializing in the sea
• The Delian League was created as an alliance between Athens and its allies to protect them from Persia.
• Athenians were given control over the treasury of the league which they used to fund their military campaigns
• Peloponnesian League


  A league established by Sparta with other landlocked city states, specializing on ground
• With growing mistrust against Athens, the Spartans decided to create their own league with the other land-based city states
• Pericles led Athens during this time period
• Sparta's main goal is to maintain peace and stability within the Greek world
• Peloponnesian War


  An all-out war between the Delian League and the Peloponnesian League, headed by Athens vs. Sparta
• Both sides were unable to attack each other, because of their polar opposite war tactics.
• The gist of the Peloponnesian war is to capitalize on the enemies' mistakes
• Trying to protect itself from invasion, Athens built walls all around its city and fortified its harbours
• Athens fortifying itself proved to be a mistake, as 1/3rd of the population was wiped out in a plague, including Pericles
• Athens' increasing greed influenced them to try their luck in invading Syracuse
• Spartan Forces were waiting at Syracuse, completely annihilating Athens' entire fleet
• The complete loss at Syracuse forced Athens to surrender, ending the Peloponnesian war
• Syracuse


  An ally of Sparta, was the key target of Athens' in the Peloponnesian war