imperialism and warfare

Monopoly of the use of legitimized violence

A political organization that continues with the operations of the state.

Outward violence

Warfare used for the defense of a polity or conquest of other polities.

Inward violence

Policing, security, incarceration, judicial punishment, and enforcement of decisions.

The imperial boomerang

States use instruments of domination at home that were originally developed for use in the periphery.

Hannah Arendt's view on totalitarianism

The rise of totalitarianism in Europe stems from colonial efforts abroad.

Achaemenid Empire

An empire that grew due to big armies and explosive conquests.

Cyrus the Great

Author of the Achaemenid Empire, responsible for pan-West Asian conquests (r. 559-530 BCE).

Persian power extension

Persian power extended through Anatolia to the Halys river.

Cambyses II

Responsible for honoring local elites and adopting Egyptian culture as legitimate pharaoh (530-522 BCE).

Battle of the Nile River Valley Delta

The Persians defeated the Egyptians by a landslide.

Achaemenid army composition

Central core of a permanent professional elite standing force composed exclusively of ethnic Persians.

Herodotus on Achaemenid army

Greek sources exaggerate the size of the Achaemenid army, but it was still the largest in West Asia.

Athens' Long Walls

Prevented Sparta from penetrating the city of Athens and created a fundamentally asymmetrical strategic situation.

Archidamian War

The first 10 years of the Peloponnesian War after its outbreak.

Impact of plague and disease during the war

Led to loss of farmland and significant hardships.

Battle of Delium (424)

A significant battle where Spartans crushed Athenians in land combat.

Nicias

Important Athenian general associated with the peace of Nicias.

Peace of Nicias (421)

A treaty that temporarily halted conflicts between Sparta and Athens.

Alcibiades

A flamboyant and wealthy Athenian who persuaded Athens to attack Sicily, leading to disastrous consequences.

Exodus of Athenian forces after Sicily

Athens launched a failed military expedition into Sicily which left them vulnerable.

Aegospotamai

A defeat for Athens which proved catastrophic for their recovery.

Spartan naval capabilities

Sparta built a navy during the Peloponnesian War, a significant change from their previous military strategy.

Political pay abolishment in Athens

Alcibiades abolished political pay and established property requirements for office, leading to the oligarchic Revolution of 400.

Return of Alcibiades to Athens

He was restored to lead the Athenian fleet after temporary exile.

Spartan objectives in the war

To crush Athens, while Athens aimed to endure and gain resources from external sources.

Outcome of the Peloponnesian War

Sparta had to refrain from completely destroying Athens to maintain a balance of power.