Special Sub-Topic: The Peloponnesian War Click Here To Play: The Peloponnesian War

In what year did the Peloponnesian war begin?

431 B.C.. This early part of the war began with the annual invasions of Attica by Sparta and the Athenian naval attacks on the Peloponnesian coast. This continued till about 425 B.C. This was what the Periclean-Athenian war policy was all about, to never meet Sparta on land.

What year did the devastating plague hit the Athenian city state?

430 B.C.. This plague, as Plutarch commented 'devoured the flower of their manhood and their strength'. Thus Athens lost one third of its fighting population. This was a crippling blow to a country mounting a war effort.

Which prominent leader of Athens was a victim of the plague?

Pericles. Definitely a reason for the Athenian defeat was his death in 428 B.C., as it led the way to the abandonment of Periclean policy and an Athens almost entirely at the mercy of the whims of the demagogues.

Whose support in the latter stages of the war helped bring the final Spartan victory?

Persian. The Persian leaders that occupied much of Asia Minor gave much need financial support and supplies to the Peloponnese. This allowed Sparta to continue their war effort and eventually gain a final victory.

Where, in the latter part of the war, was Athens' naval headquarters based?

Samos. This was a place that was away from the demigogues and more importantly the radical oligarchs.

What occurred in Athens in 411 B.C.?

An Oligarchic Revolution. This revolution sent Athens into turmoil for a time until it was finally put down. This hindered the Athenian war effort to some extent.

After what battle did the Athenian demos execute eight Generals and exiled two, despite their victory?

Arginusae. An incredibly stupid act as it deprived Athens of military leaders when they needed them most. The reason for the General's punishment was due to an unfortunate accident that greatly increased the casualties of the Athens after the battle. Despite winning the battle, the generals were punished. This was an irrational action, and was somewhat indicative of the new Athenian Democracy.

Which Spartan General led the Peloponnesian forces to the final defeat of Athens?

Lysander. He was a brilliant military leader and diplomat who commanded the respect of his man while he also maintained the wholehearted support of the Persian Prince, Cyrus, which helped the Spartans win the war.

Where did Sparta inflict the final defeat on Athens?

Aegospotami. In an hour, the war was brought to an end by a huge massacre of the Athenians. The tactics by the Peloponese had been conniving, but very effective. The Athenians were attacked as they settled down to dinner.

In what year did Athens finally succumb to Sparta and sign a peace treaty?

404 B.C.. Despite having been beaten almost entirely defeated, it took some besieging by Sparta to starve the Athenians into submission. The treaty would deprive Athens of its greatness that its' greed had gained and taken away.