Unit 8: The Peloponnesian Wars and Thucydides: study questions Flashcards
Q: What were the major causes of the Peloponnesian War?
A: Tensions between Athens and Sparta over power and influence, Athens’ growing empire threatening Sparta, disputes over alliances (Corcyra and Potidaea), and Spartan fears of Athenian dominance. The war was inevitable due to deep-seated rivalry.
Q: What were the major developments of the Archidamian War?
A: Sparta invaded Attica repeatedly, forcing Athenians to stay behind their walls. Athens used its navy to raid the Peloponnesus. The Plague of Athens weakened Athenian forces, and fighting continued until the inconclusive Peace of Nicias in 421 BCE.
Q: Why did the Peace of Nicias fail?
A: Neither side fully trusted or followed the treaty, smaller conflicts persisted, and key allies (e.g., Corinth and Thebes) rejected it. Hostilities resumed within a few years, leading to the Sicilian Expedition and renewed war.
Q: How did Sicily become involved in the war?
A: Athens sought to expand its influence and aid its ally Segesta against Syracuse, a Spartan ally. The Sicilian Expedition (415–413 BCE) ended in disaster, weakening Athens and emboldening Sparta.
Q: What were the major developments of the Ionian War?
A: Sparta, with Persian funding, built a navy to challenge Athens. Sparta encouraged revolts among Athenian allies in Ionia. The war ended with Athens’ crushing defeat at Aegospotami (405 BCE) and its surrender in 404 BCE.
Q: Summarize the career of Alcibiades.
A: Alcibiades was a skilled but controversial Athenian general. He promoted the Sicilian Expedition but defected to Sparta after being accused of sacrilege. He later aided Persia, then returned to Athens, winning victories. Eventually, he was exiled again and assassinated in Persia.
Q: How did the pressures of war shape the political life of Athens?
A: War led to political instability, increased reliance on demagogues, and shifts between democracy and oligarchy. The Sicilian disaster led to the oligarchic coup of 411 BCE, and the final defeat in 404 BCE resulted in the Spartan-backed rule of the Thirty Tyrants.
Q: What were Sparta’s goals by the end of the war?
A: Sparta aimed to defeat Athens, dismantle its empire, and establish oligarchic governments in its former allies. It sought to dominate Greece but struggled to maintain control after the war.
