Lysander (c. 450–395 BCE)

Question 1

Who was Lysander?

Answer 1

A Spartan naval commander and statesman.

Question 2

What significant role did Lysander play in the Peloponnesian War?

Answer 2

He led Sparta to victory over Athens by destroying the Athenian navy in the Battle of Aegospotami.

Question 3

When did Lysander live?

Answer 3

Around 440 BCE to 395 BCE.

Question 4

What major battle did Lysander win that led to Athens’ defeat?

Answer 4

The Battle of Aegospotami in 405 BCE.

Question 5

Which Persian prince did Lysander ally with to fund his fleet?

Answer 5

Cyrus the Younger.

Question 6

What political changes did Lysander implement in Athens after its defeat?

Answer 6

He installed the oligarchic rule of the ‘Thirty Tyrants.’

Question 7

What was Lysander’s main contribution to Spartan society?

Answer 7

He transformed Sparta into a naval power.

Question 8

What form of government did Lysander help install in Athens after their defeat?

Answer 8

An oligarchic government, known as the ‘Thirty Tyrants.’

Question 9

How did Lysander’s relationship with Persia help Sparta during the Peloponnesian War?

Answer 9

Persia provided financial support for the Spartan fleet.

Question 10

What type of honors did Lysander receive after defeating Athens?

Answer 10

He was honored almost like a living god, with statues erected in his name.

Question 11

How did Lysander die?

Answer 11

He was killed in battle during the Corinthian War in 395 BCE.

Question 12

Which war was Lysander involved in when he died?

Answer 12

The Corinthian War.

Question 13

Fill in the blank: Lysander’s victory over Athens was at the Battle of ____.

Answer 13

Aegospotami.

Question 14

What challenge did Lysander face from within Sparta?

Answer 14

Opposition due to his ambitions for power and attempts to change the hereditary kingship system.

Question 15

What was a controversial move by Lysander within Spartan politics?

Answer 15

He attempted to change the hereditary kingship system to one based on merit.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: Lysander used money wrapped in ____ to charm allies in diplomacy.

Answer 16

Fish.

Question 17

What was the general historical context during Lysander’s life?

Answer 17

The Peloponnesian War between Athens and Sparta, marked by intense rivalry and shifting alliances.

Question 18

How did Lysander’s actions affect the power balance in Greece?

Answer 18

He shifted power to Sparta by defeating Athens and installing pro-Spartan oligarchies.

Question 19

Why was Lysander’s political career controversial?

Answer 19

His attempts to concentrate power and change traditional Spartan norms led to opposition and his eventual removal from power.

Question 20

What is Lysander’s legacy in terms of Sparta’s influence?

Answer 20

He is remembered for helping Sparta dominate Greece temporarily, though his policies contributed to its eventual decline.

Question 21

Fill in the blank: Lysander’s close relationship with Persian prince ____ helped fund Sparta’s navy.

Answer 21

Cyrus the Younger.

Question 22

Why did Lysander face internal opposition in Sparta?

Answer 22

His ambitious nature and attempts to change the traditional power structure alienated some Spartans.

Question 23

What notable change did Lysander try to introduce in the Spartan system?

Answer 23

He attempted to change the hereditary kingship to a merit-based system.

Question 24

How did Lysander’s career influence the future of Greece?

Answer 24

He established Spartan dominance but also laid the groundwork for future instability in Greek politics.

Question 25

Who were the ‘Thirty Tyrants’ installed by Lysander?

Answer 25

A pro-Spartan oligarchy that ruled Athens after its defeat.