Classical Greece Quiz

Tyranny

 rule seized by an individual usually through overthrow.

Democracy

Rule by mob.  Not the modern idea of democracy.  Instead, it was the tyranny of the majority.

Polity

Rule of many.  Basically a republic.

Evolution of Greek Government:

Kingship>Oligarchy>Tyranny>democracy

Kingship (monarchy) gives way to oligarchy (usually by powerful, privileged clans), oligarchy gives way to tyranny (tyrants usually come from outside the oligarchy and overthrow oligarchy through revolution), tyranny gives way to democracy (a more inclusive form of government).

Greek tyranny

Note that the term ‘tyrant’ or ‘tyranny’ has bad connotations in today’s society, but did not necessarily mean something bad in ancient Greece. Tyrants are self-made monarchs whose supporters are usually previously politically marginalized people. In addition, the term ‘democracy’ did not always mean good things, in ancient Greece democracy could also mean ‘rule by mob.’

Examples of tyrants

In the city-state Argos, the tyrant Pheidon. In city-state Corinth, tyrant Kypselos. In city-state Athens, tyrant Peisistratidai and his sons.

Kypselos

Kypselos overthrew the ruling democracy in Corinth and gave more rights to the people. While Kypselos was loved for this, his son Periandros replaced him and banished all dissenters from the polis.

Greek government

Most Greek cities divided authority between multiple officials.

Greek social classes in Athens:

Citizens:   Athenians  (could vote and be part of gov).  Had to be male, had to be landowning, had to be native born, had to be older than 18-20.  

Residents:   Metoikoi (Free person protected by local laws but could not vote or hold office.  Similar to idea of resident aliens.[would not want to be that in US) Women, foreigners, children, non-landowning males.  

Underclass:  Slaves.  (Slaves, people in debt, or prisoners of war.  No racial or ethnic component). 

Arkhons

Governors that served 1 year terms. 

Council

Two different councils.  Council 1 is the Boule and wields the most power.  They are the legislative.  The Areopagos is the other branch of the council.  They are former Arkhons who are the elite of the society.  They eventually evolved into the judicial branch or supreme court.

Assembly

All of the citizens eligible to vote (landowning, natural born, adult males.)  Had right to vote, decide on and propose policies.  Ekklesia.  Met at the Pnyx.

Draco

During the infancy of the Athenian government, Draco composed the first written law code with the purpose of reducing arbitrary decisions of punishment and blood feuds between parties.  He was the first to differentiate manslaughter and murder. Ultimately though, the laws aided and legitimized the aristocracy and allowed them to consolidate political power and control of the land and the poor.  The laws were famously harsh and oftentimes the punishments were death.  Draconian became an eponym for harsh punishments and cruel.  A man was brought before him and he stole a head of cabbage for his starving family.  He was put to death.  “Because I could not think of anything harsher.” -Draco   “You will starve again, unless you learn the meaning of the law” - Javert.  EPONYMMMMMM.  Use that word.  It absolutely kills me that neither of my district characters are educated enough to use eponyms, and Livia is smart enough and familiar with them, but won’t be self aware enough to use those words on the government.  Some of Snow’s act against the Victors are Draconian.  You could use that.

Solon

A modestly wealthy Athenian trader. Given ‘free hand’ to make reforms to Draco’s code - weakens Draco’s laws and kind of takes them apart. The greatest problem in Athens was wealth distribution, not just democracy (just like today, it was not just that), and he did not do this because it was unfair that one person’s work would be taken from them just to reach a state of equality. He’s kinda in between; doesn’t help the rich, doesn’t help the poor. Not a radical reformer, as Draco was. Did not attempt land reform—refused to touch it!—due mainly to the length of time it takes to grow olive trees: 8 to 10 years to produce olives! Solon brought reforms in order to prevent future attempts at tyrants overthrowing the government. These reforms included a one-time elimination of individual debts and freeing those enslaved for unpaid debts (Seisakhtheia). Solon divided the populace into 4 tribes or classes, with 100 representatives of each tribe elected as members of the Boule. These tribes (classes) are divided by wealth and suggest the possibility of social mobility (moving between the classes). He gets asked questions all around the community, outside of his job. Ultimately, his reforms did not work. However, he is considered to have laid groundwork for the development of Athenian democracy. “My fellow Athenians, we have been wronged by our leaders…” (goes into great speech after pretending to be insane, attracting a crowd and then influencing it). Similar to what Hitler did; the politicians lost the war, not us. Actually what Vox Populi did; the angels have wronged us and we must take our control. DOWN WITH COMMUNISM, COMRADES.

Wealth distribution

huge problem in Athens.

Tyranny of Persistratidai

Pisistratis took control of Athens after Solon left for his self-induced exile. He fakes being injured by his political opponents in order to make his opponents look bad. He also takes a random girl and calls her a priestess, saying that listening to her would be the will of… idk, Athena or something.. So that they would follow him. Solon opposed him upon his return. After his death, his sons took over.  Marginalized groups of Athenians manage to overthrow the government the sons established who ultimately ruled as despots.  The tyranny gave way to another overthrow of the government, this time by the aristocracy aided by Sparta.  This leads to a power struggle which will be won by the Kleisthenes. 

Kleisthenes

He was an aristocrat and a reformer.  Athenians turn to him to reestablish order.  He returned from exile and sided with the common people.  He created a new constitution with the following criteria. He is considered the father of democracy - he brings democracy to Athens, direct democracy specifically.

1. 10 new tribes representing all classes

2. All adult male citizens became Assembly members

3. Introduced ostracism; removed discredited leaders

4. Equality of laws and freedom of speech

He also expands the Boule to 500 men.  50 members from each of the 10 tribes.  He hoped to reduce factionalism which drove apart the last several ruling bodies.  Tribes were divided geographically so that no faction dominated any one geographical area.

Ostracism

It was introduced by Kleisthenes.  It was a method to prevent tyranny. Got rid of people with too much popularity or power. Practice employed to get rid of any potential tyrants.  Prevented one individual from gaining too much power.  During annual elections, people got to cast votes on pottery shards with the names of potential tyrants on them.  If a person got enough votes, they would be expelled for 10 years. This meant they could not physically live in Athen for 10 years.  This removed potentially dangerous politicians.  (WE NEED THIS) Ummm, so, modern equivalent is YOU CAN’T SIT WITH US! -Gretchen Weiners.

Athenian Democracy

The basic government form instituted by Kleisthenes held for centuries in Athens. It contained two basic principles:

1. No professional bureaucrats!!! Nobody served on council more than twice!

2. Each and every citizen could hold office!! Even common every-day people, unlike US. Athenian Citizens must be: men, native-born, own property, and minimum age of 20.

Polis

AHHHHH INDIANAPOLIS MENTIONED — root for many American cities, Minneapolis too.  Polis is the word for city state.  Athens was a polis.  Citizens of the Polis thought of themselves as citizens of the Polis before they thought of themselves as greek.  Sometimes the Poliss would band together in federations of more than one city-state to establish more influence.  Core of classical greek politics.  A polis operated as an independent city-state to which citizens owed allegience and identity. 

Synoikism

 Loosely means to dwell together.  Process in which villages come together to form a large city of confederation, politically fusing the polis together.  Rome is best example. 

Structure of the Polis

 two important structures - Acropolis and Agora.

Acropolis

Inner fortress.  Usually contained the temple, treasury, and a storehouse of food, water and weapons.  It was where they went if they were under attack.  It was like a doomsday bunker. 

Agora

Marketplace.  Center of public and economic activity.  There was news and voting and laws.  There were religious ceremonies and trade. 

Hoplite

Heavily armored fighter.  Typically middle class farmers, who thus had a vested interest in protecting the city-state.  They became the backbone of the later Greek military.  Used phalanx formation.  Both Athens and Sparta.  Means foot soldier.   5’7 and 140 pounds.  No padded helmets.  The ears and eyes were covered.  Ears were covered so they couldn’t hear their loved ones screaming.  Focus.  No peripheral vision so soldiers went forward and only forward. 

Phalanx formation

Fighting style where people stood in rows, shoulder to shoulder with shields interlocked and spears pointed forward.  They basically were armored walls that pushed forward.  When one soldier fell, another pushed forward.  Gaps were filled.  Difficult on uneven terrein.  8-10 guys deep.  Never fight sober.  Nobody dances sober lol.  Battles lasted a very short time because it was exhausting.  Communicated with music.  Spartans trained with drumbeats so they knew what each meant, like a dance. 

Athenian Education

Boys aged 7-18 were educated in private schools.  Girls were not educated.  This reflected the gender roles in greek society.  Women’s place was in the home or in entertainment, not in any educated field.  

Sparta, also known as

Laikadamonians.

Lykourgos

Credited with setting up the Spartan form of government.  This included Rhetra, the militarized form of Spartan citizenship that cultivated a warrior society.  Developed a warrior class to contain the helots or slaves who outnumbered the Spartans 10 to 1.  Wait, hang on.  Didn’t Plutarch yap about this a bit?  How districts outnumber capitol and peacekeepers 10 to 1?  He created the Spartan constitution

(them 14 year olds waiting at the cornucopia for the 12 year olds lol)(parents in district 2 be like) headcanon: district 2 is Sparta.  OMG WAIT THAT ACTUALLY MAKES A LOT OF SENSE.  They’re trained from a very young age, they’re instilled with that military instinct, they’re taught propaganda and made killers, they’re beaten out of emotion.

Rhetra

the militarized form of Spartan citizenship that cultivated a warrior society. This is the general system and lifestyle of the Spartans, which was defined by upholding the codes of their militaristic society.  Adherence to it allowed them to become very powerful.  Boys from the age of 7 will be trained to eliminate the Helots.  

Spartan Life

Were militaristic and intense.  Male children were inspected at birth by elders to determine if they were perfect.  If they weren’t, they were essentially cast off and killed.  At a very early age, they were taught hunting and military skills.  At age 20, men were accepted into the army or rejected.  Men could marry but still lived in barracks.  At age 30, they are accepted into the assembly and received land.  Helots (slaves) support the family.  At age 60, men could retire from the army.  Spartans viewed art, trade and writing as stupid and not good for warriors.  Sparta was isolated from its neighbors.  This was done so they could be stable and never question the way of life.  Iron bars were currency.  They sent the most insane, evil, strong, murderous 14-15 year olds to murder people.  For fun.  Cut off ears.  They got ranked.  They controlled their slaves through fear. 

Agoge

Spartan training system (school) that started at the age of 7 and went to age 20. Everything in the Agoge is a test, and you are expected to do whatever you can to survive.  Food was rationed so boys were expected to steal but never get caught. You get beaten not because you stole, but because you got caught. They love stealing and things of the sort.

Spartan Women

While the militarized society of Sparta created a powerful military, it also had negative effects for the society at large. Men and women were often separated, which made reproduction rates lower than in other Greek cities. Thus, heavy losses in a Spartan battle severely weakened Sparta as a whole. Spartan women enjoyed more freedom than most other Ancient Greek women, as they were more valued than others, but freedom is a relative to their role as encouraging the Spartan military system. They had a choice whether or not to have a baby or get married. They’d have the right to kick Zeus in the balls and say no… not that there would be good consequences with Zeus. Women were encouraged to stay physically fit on the belief that fit women bore fit children (that would bare better warriors). Spartan women also helped to indoctrinate their children and husbands into the Spartan military system. Had the right to inherit property.

Downfall of Sparta

not enough people, as seen by the Agoge and the separation of men and women as well as battles.  (peacekeepers be like)

Spartan government

Sparta is an oligarchy

Kings

Ruled by two kings with ceremonial power.  Kingships are hereditary.  Kings are military and religious leaders of Sparta.  Also generals.  They brought ephors.  Ephors could override.  Two family lines that claim to be descendents of Hercules.

Ephors

More powerful than the king, administrators of the cities.  Ephors make up oligarchies.  5 ephors, 5 old men.  1 year term.  Had to be retired soldiers.  Ephors had to be older than 60.  Lol, does our senate have an age min of 80?  Check out babies. 

Gerousia

Advisory council of 28 elders.  30 people.  28 old men, 2 kings. 

Assembly

All citizens eligible to vote.  Not women.  Can vote on policies, but not propose them.  Yay or nay

Spartiates (Homoioi)

Citizens. Could vote.

Periokoi

Residents.  The dwellers around - men who were not chosen to be in the military; oversees the Helots.  Could not vote, not a part of the government, not citizens.

Helots

Slaves.  Similar to serfs, slave like but not completely. Spartan society was built on agriculture. Legally tied to a piece of land they work for someone else.  They must work it regardless of who owns it. 

The Spartans were

feared, but not respected.

Persian wars

Persians conquered Lydia and other areas in Asia Minor.  Including Greek city-states.  Some of those Greek cities rebelled, led by the city of Miletus.  Called the Ionian Revolt, it took 6 years for Darius to put it down. 

Ionian Revolt

The leaders of the Ionian revolt went to Greece to ask for help from them.  Sparta initially declined and chose to remain neutral.  Athens and Eretria decide to help and sack the Persian city of Sardis.  The rebellion was suppressed, and Miletus was burned.  Darius I decided to punish Greece by sending fleets to attack. The first fleet was lost at sea (First Persian Invasion).  The second one destroyed Eretria (Second Persian Invasion).  They attack Marathon and plan one on Athens.  Athenians ask for help from Sparta, but they decline again because of religious reasons. 

Battle of Marathon

60,000 persians vs 10,000 greeks.  Greeks are led by the General Miltiades.  The greeks used the phalanx formation.  6,000 Persians are killed as they are pushed back into the sea.  Some greeks chased them and cut their hamstring tendons or their hands to prevent them from swimming to their boats.  Only 492 greeks were killed.  Burial site found.  The Athenians won the battle without the help of the Spartans even though they were severely outnumbered.  Spartans arrive too late.  Phidippides, a runner, supposedly ran 26 miles to Athens with news of victory. 

Persians Wars: Third Persion Invasion: THERMOPLYAI:

(only battle Greeks lost) Darius’s son, Xerxes, launches huge force from land and sea (estimated about a million people in order to avenge his father and defeat Greece. (Persian army is believed to be one of the biggest in history, but these numbers are not all soldiers.)  Persian army crosses the Hellespont by creating a ‘pontoon bridge’. BOAT BRIDGGEEEEE.  Julia Drusilla ahhh.  Boats line up so they can walk across but a storm destroys it. Smaller city-states immediately surrender to Xerxes. Architect was to be killed.  Had to give sea 30 lashes as a punishment for defying Xerxes.  Poseidon is gonna be mad.  A small Greek army (most smaller city-states surrendered to Xerxes) gather to fight Xerxes at Thermoplyai, this time with the help of the Spartans and led by the Spartan Leonidas I (smash). Greek army consists of 300 Spartans and 1,000 other Greeks, and they intitially hold of Xerxes and the Persians. A traitor (honestly thought it was more than one person, but okay) eventually shows the Persians a way around the Greek army, and the Persians win the battle.  Xerxes orders bodies be thrown over cliff so other Persians wouldn’t get scared. 

Thermopylae

battle where persians fought in a narrow mountain pass against 300 spartans and 1000 greeks.  Led by Leonidas.  Last stand of 300 = valley forge.  Leonidas stays to fight with help from the Thespians.  Basically jocks and theater kids.  (Lucy Gray x the Careers).  Spartans and Thespians are surrounded.  And they tell Persians to surrender.  Persians refuse, Spartans and Thespians continue.  Persians kill many.  Spartans hold them off until they are defeated.  Leonidas is killed and there is a fight for his body.  Eventually all of them are slaughtered. 

Leonidas I

King of Sparta who led the Greek forces at the Battle of Thermopylae. He is known for his heroic stand against the vastly larger Persian army. Dies during battle.

10,000 immortals

great warriors with masks.  Very good with superstitious people because they used psychological warfare.  Immortals fought silently while marching in unison.  They were creepy and quiet.  They are very powerful.  No response.  Persians.  Majority are killed by Spartans. 

Salami

After the Persians burned Athens, the refugees gathered at Salamis.  The Persians follow to attack them, but the Greek navy, led by Themistokles, is hidden nearby and destroys most of the Persian fleet.  1200 Persian ships vs 300 Greek ships.  Themistokles uses fleet to lure Persian ships to the strait of salamis.  Then used tides to attack Persians so they ran into eachother.  Athenians manage to win because they are better, and Themistokles waits till it’s almost dark to start the battle.  That way if the battle goes bad, they can carefully slip away.  Hit and run.  Athenians go in, wipe out ships, and then leave.  After he finds out that Thermopylae is defeated, he bails.  Athenians bail when persians get there.  City-states are surrendering left and right.  First thing Persians do it burn the temple of Zeus (payback for the temple Athenians burned).  

During battle of Salamis, Xerxes is chilling and watching the bay.  He expects to watch Persians win, but Athenians get them from both sides and start wiping out Persian ships.  Xerxes watches them get decimated.  Battle of Salamis is a naval battle.  Led by Themistokles. 

Plataiai

Xerxes must retreat to Persia for the time being.  He leaves a large army behind.   Remaining Persians are defeated by the Greeks at Plataiai.  Greeks are led by Spartan general Pausanias vs Persians led by Xerxes son in law, Mardonius.  He is killed early in battle and Persians are defeated. Mardonius is killed by a rock to the head. Greeks are still outnumbered but less so. 

Results of the Persian wars

1. Athens becomes most powerful city-states

2. Organized the Delian league, an alliance with other city-states.  

3. Dominated alliance.  Which slowly turned into Athenian empire. 

Delian League

The Greek naval alliance formed; some forced to join.  The alliance was led by Athens, but the treasury was held in Delos which is where the name comes from.  Delos is out of reach for thievery.  The Delian League 1st purpose: be able to defeat the Persians from future attacks. Defeats the Persian naval invasion at the Eurymedon when they next invade.  It’s a land and naval battle in Asia Minor. 2nd purpose: Protect grain (in) and silver (out) shipments coming in and out of Greece and Athens from pirates.  Then, the treasury is moved to Athens, giving Athens control over the Greek empire (called empire in the lecture notes, but idk — it is collectively an empire in a way because there are city-states and they banded together to defeat a common enemy, which displays some sort of unity amidst their disunity). Trade expands under Cimon with the IMPORTANT: introduction of the drachma, a silver currency by Cimon.  Cimon uses Athenian navy  to intimidate and control league members.  Cimon lost power when he tried to make friends with Sparta.  He was exiled for 10 years for offering aid to Sparta.  Athenians demand tribute after war from all city-states.  Athenians spend the money on themselves.  They use it to build their city in splendor.

Cimon

Athenian. Ran the Delian League, and created the silver drachma.

Issues in Sparta

 Sparta saw Athenian aggression as a threat and they collect city states around them to form the Peloponnesian league. 

Spartan problems

Spartan begins to fall because an earthquake destroys a lot and leads to a Helot rebellion and prominent generals are accused of aiding Persians.

Themistokles

Leader of the Delian league early on and the greeks naval leader.  Eventually he is ostracized and ends up in Persia! Continues to build up naval power. Triremes (argo II) are Greek naval ships (Athenians had good navy), very fast and manueverable. They use wind and human power to operate (three humans operate each oar). Their main weapon in a battering ram on the front, used to sink other ships. Citizens who serve on ships of the Delian League gain political clout as polticians pander them. Demagogues (those who ‘lead the mob’) create new ways for participation of less-elite citizens in government (becoming more democratic… more people have more voting power).

Age of Perikles

On several occasions, Greek poleis (city states) rebel against the Delian league’s control and tributing.  In return, Athens created Kleroukhies.  Kleroukhies are military and economic outposts of Athens placed in the lands of their allies.  The practice was started by Perikles and alienated many Athenian allies.  Perikles is the leader of Athens at the start of the Peloponesian was and leads Athens through their golden age.  Under Perikles, the Athenian economy thrived and became more democratic.  Direct democracy is introduced.  All citizens take part in government.  Jury members received a stipend.  Ostracism is continued. 

Perikles Funeral Oration

famous speech given by Perikles and recorded by Thucydides.  Speech is earliest and one of greatest expressions of democratic ideals.

Economic and Cultural Life

Athens rebuilds acropolis destroyed by Persians, make temples such as the Parthenon, long walls are built to Pireaus (city) for protection by way of Perikles (allow carts of silver to leave and grain and shipments to come back—unable to lay siege to Athens now, ships can come and go as they please), Perikles (with help of his wife, Aspasia, who was treated as an equal) made Athens cultural center of all Greece and it was all stolen/borrowed from the Delian League.  EMBEZZLEMENT. 

Kleroukhies

Military and economic outposts in Athenians allies land that alienated them. We have a strong military presence (US does this as well).

Peloponnesian War has

6 major events.

1st Major Event

Death of Perikles - Spartan strategy was to invade area (hinterland) around Athens and stay for 9 months.  In winter, hike home for winter.  Basically laid siege.  Several times.  In 429 year, a plague went into Athens from the outskirts.  Similar to black plague with horrific symptoms.  Affected animals and people.  Kills 20% of Athenian population, including fighting aged men.  Perikles dies.  Creates a power vacuum.  Power struggle between Cleon and Nicias.  Cleon wants to continue war.  Nicias wants to sue for peace. 

2nd Major Event

Failed Sicilian expedition - Alcibiades is a nasty biter and the nepo nephew of Alcibiades.  Bro is a freak and annoying and no one likes him.  He convinces Athenians to undertake an invasion of Syracuse, on the island of Sicily.  The invasion was successful at first but soon became a huge disaster.  Athenian main commander Lamachus was killed and Alcibiades was recalled to Athens to stand trial (bro got drunk and carved his name into a statue - Okay Odysseus) and Nicias fell ill.  Spartan advisor, Glyippus arrived in winter and turned the tide of the campaign.  Athenians sent reinforcements under Demosthenes but he does not bring enough horses because Spartans and Athenuans have officially declared war.  Athenian expedition is completely destrpyed.    No Athenian soldier came home.

3rd Major Event

Defection of Alcibiades - He jumps the ship literally because he will face death penalty for defacing statue.  He moves to Sparta and starts giving them advice.  He tells Sparta to build a permanent fort in Attica so the Athenians are forced to live year round inside their walls and cuts them from their supply of silver which they use to buy food.  He offers Athens to negotiate a treaty with Persia if Athens let him return and form his own government.  Somehow they agree and democracy is suspended for a while.  The treaty never happens.  (clearly someone lied).

4th Major Event

Persian alliance with Sparta - Spartans conclude a treaty with Persians and the Persians supply money for Spartans to buy ships.  It takes four years for treaty to take effect.  The idea of these ships is bumper cars because no cannons.  Outmanuever opponent and slam into other ships. 

5th Major Event

Defeat at Arginusae - Major turning point.  It’s a naval battle.  Sparta sends a new group to fight with Athenians.  Athens technically wins the battle but as the battle is ending, a storm came and the Athenian SOP was for surviving ships to circle around and grab survivors.  Athens couldn’t get to the survivors because the storm is nyasty.  Athenian commanders leave the survivors behind.  Then, Athens is pissed so `they execute the naval commanders, effectively leaving them with no competent commanders.

6th Major Event

Defeat at Aegospotomi - Lysander, the Spartan admiral, wins the naval battle of Aegospotomi.  This completely destroys the fleet of the Athenians.  Spartans some how have superior navy.  Athens is then attacked by 3 armies from Sparta.  Afterward, they are forced to surrender, disband the Delian league, destroy their protective walls, and their last ships are burned.  Sparta takes control of Athenian government.

Ways to remember turning points:

1. Plaguey Plaguey Plaguey.  Perikles, leader, died.

2. Athens sent two armies.  Everybody died.  The ones that weren’t were enslaved and forced to work in the MINESSSS till they dead.

3. Psst… wanna know about Athens?

4. Heh heh heh… make deal with the devil aka persia.  Sparta received aid.  Sparta then had to pay uppp.  New naval things

5. “20 boats were waiting nearby… 1 came back.  1.  6 were saved from the water.  6.  Out of 1500.”  #leavingthemsurvivorstodie

6.   THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWNNNNNN THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN>>>>  Athens surrenders.  Bye bye boats.

Why did they happen? -

Sparta creates Spartan league consisting of Corinth and city states on the Peloponneseus.  This league encourages Oligarchy.  It rivals Delian league.  Athens offers help with a helot rebelopn but Sparta does not want help.  It’s a huge insult.  Athens is offended by this.  One city state tries to changre from Delian to Spartan league.  Athens creates an embargo of Megara, an ally of Corinth.  Sparta supports Corinth and calls for war against Delian league.  

Beginning of the war -

Greek against Greek.  Athens is at geographical disadvantage because their location near sea.  Sparta was inland so they could not be attacked from the sea.  War takes 27 years because of incompatible powers.  Athens dominates war at sea and Sparta dominates war on land.  Athens has superior wealth and believe they can outlast Spartans.  However, Athens are confined to their city because walls.  Walls are built by Perikles.

Next event during war -

Spartan king Archidamus the second invades Attica and destroys large areas around Athens.  Athens retreat behind long walls.  Perikles is disposed of but will eventually return to power. 

Spartan Strategies -

Sparta invades Attica, attacks countryside, limits food.  (DARK DAYS ESSENTIALLY).  Athenians demand allies send food by way of navy.  Athens is connected to the coastal city of Pireaus by the Long Walls.  This is how they get food.  Sparta invades every spring and returns to Sparta in winter.

Athenian strategies -

Perikles has people in hinterlands move into city to live.  Athens citizens are drawn behind walls.  Close quarters makes a plague break out and kills huge number of population.  Perikles was strategic autocrat for 29 consecutive years before his death due to plague.

Cleon -

Atheinian favors war.  Athens favors him until he dies. 

Nicias -

wants peace.

Peace of Nicias

Sparta offers peace to Athens after suffering several major losses.  Athens rejects peace overtures until they lose 2 important generals in battle.  Peace of Nicias is established.  Named adfter main Athenian negotiator.  Peace was supposed to last for 50 years but lasted only 3.  Peace treaty is flawed.  Sparta makes promises they can’’t keep and allies of Athens refuse to agree to treaty.

Broken treaty -

Peace is broken.  Athens aligns itself with the city states of Argos, Mantinea, and Elis in the Peloponneseus.  Sparta forces athens to decided whether to reject it’s alliances or face open warfame.  War unofficially begins again with Spartan victory in Mantinea.  (Before invasion of Sicily)

Archidamus

Spartan king during war, invaded Attica.

End of war

War turns on Athens after Syracuse disaster.  Alcibiades is exiled and moves to Sparta to give them advice to build a permanent fort in Attica.  This forces Athenians to live behind the Long walls year round and cuts them of their silver supply which they use to buy food.  Then he offers Athens to negotiate a treaty with Persians (after death of Nicias) if they let him be general, make his own government, and suspend democracy.  Treaty was a lie.  Then Spartans made a treaty with Persia and got ships and stuff  Sparta found a new and capable commander named Lysander who convinced Persians to fulfill their promise to buy ships for Spartans.

Lysander

 new and capable military commander for Sparta who convinces Persia to make good on treaty.  (he likes the luxury good life.  Spartans disliked him.  He had a growing personality cult, living in excess in Anatolia.  

Major turning point

After a victory in the naval battle of Argunisae, the Athenian admirals were unable to pick up survivors in the sea due to a freak storm.  This violated a long standing Athenian tradition.  The Athenian admirals were condemned and executed, removing the last of Athens experienced leaders.

Toward the end of war:

Spartan admiral, Lysander, wins the battle of Aesopotomi.  Athe Athenian fleet is destroyed.  Sparta now attacks Athens with 3 armies.  Athens surrenders, and is forced to disband the Delian league, destroy the protective walls of their city leading to the sea, and the remainder of their ships are burned.  Sparta forces an oligarchy called the 30 tyrants to rule Athens.  Sparta seizes powere (or hegemony) in Greece.  Athens will recover after a civil war.  Ironically, they are supported by Persia.  The Long Walls are rebuilt years later and democracy is restored. 

Post Peloponnesian war 

To defeat Athens, Sparta offered Persia several cities in exchange for gold.  Sparta does not follow through on the deal, and Persia in turn supports Sparta’s enemies financially.  The Spartans finally give the requested cities to Persia, and Persian kings now dictate affairs of Greece through diplomacy.

Results:

1. Greece becomes a multi - polar system

2. Democracy survives in Athens

3. Sparta declines because its social structure is not fit for the outside world

4. Real winner is Persia!!! Gain many Greek cities in the east. 

Greece after Peloponnesian war

Sparta declines.

Spartan decline

Sparta controls Greece for a while.  Greek cities generally do not support the Spartan power.  The city of Thebes breaks free from Spartan rule and frees other Greek cities, ending Sparta’s run of power.  Spartans are not capable of leadership.  Failures.  Not good at administration.

Battle of Luektra -

Fought in 371 BC.  Thebes, under the general Epameinondas, defeat Spartans in battle.  The Spartan army is only able to field 700 full Spartan citizens.  The mystique of the Spartan warrior is broken.  Basically, they lose face.  Thebans use their famous Sacred Band.  After this battle, many of Sparta’s allies abandon them.  Thebes then seizes hegemonic control of Greece until the arrival of Macedonians in 338.

Battle of Mantinea

won by Thebans, last stand of Spartans.  Spartans end up as a farming village again.  Thebe is short lived too.  Theban general Epameinondas and his successors are killed in the battle.  After, no Polis is dominant.  Greece goes back to how it was before.  Macedonians eventually invade.