Why did relations between Athens and Sparta change in this period? Flashcards
INTRO: changing relations
Changing relations
The decline of relations between former allies Sparta and Athen was caused by division in political ideologies, Athenian policies of expansion and subsequent military responses by Sparta and hence resulted in the development of a local warring rivalry.
1. Fear of Persian led to unprecedented alliance at Isthmus 481BC (good terms)
2. Polarisation in Athenian leadership led to rise of radical democrats and fear by Sparta.
3. “War would be inevitable” according to Thucydides
BP1: Differing political ideologies in leadership and structure was the foundation for the escalation of tensions between Sparta and Athens.
Changing relations
Themistocles’ Anti-Spartan Actions: Themistocles escalated tensions with Sparta by re-fortifying Athens and kidnapping Spartan ambassadors, actions that ultimately led to his exile in 471 BC despite his earlier collaboration with them.
Rise of Radical Democracy: The emergence of radical democracy in Athens, particularly under leaders like Pericles and Ephialtes, threatened Sparta’s traditional power structure (Great Rhetra), causing fears that Athenian radicalization could destabilize Spartan society.
Cimon’s Oligarchical Background: Cimon, a descendant of Miltiades, had an oligarchical background who served as a proxenos between Athens and Sparta, advocating for collaboration that fostered friendly relations between the two city-states.
Cimon’s Ostracism: Cimon’s popularity in the Athenian boule was evident when they voted to assist Sparta in suppressing a helot revolt; however, Sparta’s rejection of this help led to Cimon’s ostracism in 461 BC, symbolizing the shift toward radical democracy and increasing paranoia in Athenian-Spartan relations.
Cimon’s Return and Truce: Cimon’s return in 451 BC resulted in a five-year truce with Sparta, reflecting a mutual desire to ease tensions, although he never regained the influence he once held in Athenian politics.
BP2: Spartan responses to Athenian imperialism:
Changing relations
Support for Thasos’ Revolt: In 465 BC, Sparta promised to support Thasos’ revolt against Athens, viewing Athenian territorial expansion as a threat to the autonomy of other city-states and characterizing Athens as increasingly tyrannical.
Messenian Revolt of 464 BC: The Messenian Revolt heightened tensions between Athens and Sparta, as Sparta feared the spread of radical democracy and the possibility of Athenian support for the helots, their subjugated population.
-> rejected Athens assitance
Denunciation of the Treaty: Thucydides noted that Sparta’s rejection of Athenian assistance led Athens to “denounce the original treaty of alliance” and form a new alliance with Sparta’s rival, Argos, which threatened Sparta’s control over the Peloponnese and underscored ideological divisions.
Resettlement of Helots: Athens further strained relations by assisting in the resettlement of helots in Naupactus after the revolt, an act perceived by Sparta as a direct challenge to their authority and control over their territory.
Spartan Military Actions in Boeotia: In 457 BC, Sparta dispatched an army into Boeotia to curb Athenian expansion into central Greece. Although Sparta initially achieved victories, Athens managed to capture much of Boeotia, raising alarms in Sparta and making war seem inevitable, as noted by Thucydides.
BP3: Athens territorial and military expansion increased tensions:
Changing relations
Forced Recruitment into the Delian League: Athens’ forced recruitment of members from the Peloponnesian League such as Megara in 460BC into the Delian League exacerbated tensions between the two rival hegemonies, fostering resentment and mistrust.
-> Due to Athens joining into a feud between Corinth and Megara.
Subjugation of Peloponnesian Powers: The subjugation of key Peloponnesian powers like Corinth and Aegina in 446 BC allowed Athens to expand its empire and gain direct access to the Peloponnese, emphasizing its territorial ambitions and growing naval dominance.
Naval Development of the Delian League: The rapid development of the Delian League’s navy and infrastructure reflected Athens’ preparations for a potential conflict with Sparta, instilling fear among Spartan leaders about Athenian intentions.
-> Pireus upgrads in 449BC
Rebuilding of the North Wall: Themistocles’ order to rebuild Athens’ North Wall heightened Spartan fears of Athens becoming a Persian enclave, particularly because Sparta lacked the siege equipment necessary to challenge such fortifications.
Construction of the Long Walls: Pericles’ expansionist policies included the construction of the Long Walls, which connected Athens to its naval docks, enabling the city to withstand sieges and secure its naval expansion without the threat of Spartan encirclement.
CONCLUSION CHANGING RELATIONS
Changing relations
Their relationship often fluctuates with both causing for the elevated tensions
