7.4 The Decelean War and the Fall of Athens
4 min read•august 13, 2024
The Decelean War marked the final phase of the Peloponnesian War, with Sparta establishing a base near Athens. This strategic move, along with for Sparta, put immense pressure on Athens, disrupting its resources and economy.
Despite occasional naval victories, Athens struggled against Sparta's land-based advantages and Persian-backed fleet. The decisive in 405 BCE led to Athens' surrender in 404 BCE, ending its dominance and shifting power to Sparta.
Sparta's Decelea Base: Strategic Significance
Establishment and Location
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- In 413 BCE, Sparta established a permanent military base at Decelea, located just 14 miles north of Athens in the region of Attica
- The proximity of the base to Athens allowed Sparta to exert significant pressure on its rival city-state
Impact on Athenian Resources and Supplies
- The Spartan presence at Decelea allowed them to disrupt Athenian supply lines, raid the Athenian countryside, and encourage the desertion of Athenian slaves
- Sparta's control of Decelea put significant pressure on Athens by threatening its food supply and economic resources, ultimately weakening the city's ability to sustain the war effort
- The base at Decelea also prevented the Athenians from effectively utilizing the silver mines at Laurium, a crucial source of revenue for funding their naval operations
- The disruption of Athens' access to resources and supplies from its surrounding territories severely hampered its war efforts and contributed to the city's eventual defeat
Persian Intervention in the Peloponnesian War
Persian-Spartan Alliance
- The Persian Empire, under King Darius II, began to intervene in the Peloponnesian War by providing financial support to Sparta in exchange for the recognition of Persian authority over the Greek cities of Ionia
- In 412 BCE, Sparta and Persia signed the Treaty of Miletus, which formally allied the two powers against Athens and secured Persian funding for the Spartan fleet
- The Persian- shifted the balance of power in the Aegean, putting additional strain on Athens' resources and forcing them to fight on multiple fronts
Impact of Persian Financial Support
- Persian financial support allowed Sparta to build and maintain a more powerful navy, challenging Athenian naval supremacy and enabling Spartan victories in key battles, such as the Battle of Notium in 406 BCE
- The influx of Persian funds helped Sparta to sustain its war effort and attract new allies, further isolating Athens diplomatically and militarily
- The alliance with Persia provided Sparta with a significant advantage in terms of resources and strategic support, ultimately contributing to Athens' defeat
Athenian Naval Strategy and Key Battles
Reliance on Naval Superiority
- Despite the challenges posed by Sparta's base at Decelea and Persian intervention, Athens continued to rely on its naval superiority as a key strategy in the war
- The Athenian navy aimed to maintain control of the Aegean Sea, protect the city's trade routes, and disrupt Spartan supply lines
- Athens' naval strategy was crucial to its survival, as the city depended on maritime trade for its food supply and economic well-being
Battle of Arginusae
- In 406 BCE, the Athenians won a significant victory at the Battle of Arginusae, defeating a Spartan fleet and temporarily reasserting their naval dominance
- The victory at Arginusae provided a much-needed morale boost for Athens and demonstrated the city's continued naval capabilities
- However, the Athenian commanders at Arginusae were later tried and executed for failing to rescue survivors and recover the bodies of the dead, highlighting the political instability and internal divisions within Athens
Limitations of Athenian Naval Strategy
- Despite occasional successes, the Athenian naval strategy ultimately proved insufficient to counter the combined pressures of Sparta's land-based advantages and Persian financial support
- The Athenian navy was stretched thin, trying to maintain control over a vast maritime empire while simultaneously defending against Spartan attacks
- The loss of key allies and the increasing financial burden of maintaining a large fleet gradually eroded Athens' ability to effectively wage war at sea
Athens' Defeat and Surrender to Sparta
Battle of Aegospotami
- The Spartan victory at the Battle of Aegospotami in 405 BCE dealt a decisive blow to the Athenian navy, destroying most of its fleet and cutting off the city's access to the Hellespont, a crucial trade route for grain imports
- The loss at Aegospotami, combined with the ongoing economic strain caused by the Spartan presence at Decelea, left Athens unable to continue the war effectively
- The destruction of the Athenian fleet at Aegospotami marked the beginning of the end for Athens, as it could no longer rely on its naval superiority to protect its interests
Surrender and Terms
- In 404 BCE, faced with the prospect of starvation and internal unrest, Athens surrendered to Sparta, ending the Peloponnesian War after nearly three decades of conflict
- The terms of Athens' surrender included the dismantling of its defensive walls, the relinquishment of its naval fleet, and the acceptance of a Spartan-backed oligarchic government known as the Thirty Tyrants
- The harsh terms imposed by Sparta aimed to strip Athens of its military and political power, ensuring that the city could no longer pose a threat to Spartan hegemony
Aftermath and Shift in Power
- The defeat of Athens marked a significant shift in the balance of power among the Greek city-states, with Sparta emerging as the dominant force in the Greek world for a time
- The end of the Peloponnesian War ushered in a period of Spartan hegemony, as the city sought to expand its influence and control over the Greek world
- However, Sparta's dominance was short-lived, as its heavy-handed tactics and internal conflicts eventually led to its own decline and the rise of new powers, such as Thebes and Macedon, in the following decades
Key Terms to Review (18)
Alcibiades: Alcibiades was a prominent Athenian statesman and general during the Peloponnesian War, known for his dynamic personality, shifting loyalties, and controversial political maneuvers. He played a crucial role in the Sicilian Expedition and later during the Decelean War, often switching sides between Athens and its enemies, which significantly impacted the course of the conflict.
Battle of Aegospotami: The Battle of Aegospotami was a decisive naval confrontation that took place in 405 BCE during the Peloponnesian War, resulting in the defeat of the Athenian fleet by the Spartans. This battle marked a turning point in the conflict, leading to the eventual downfall of Athens and ending its dominance in the Aegean Sea. The outcome showcased the shift in naval power dynamics and the effectiveness of Spartan military strategy, particularly under the leadership of Lysander.
Blockade: A blockade is a military strategy used to prevent goods, resources, or people from entering or leaving a particular area, typically an enemy port or region. This tactic aims to weaken the opponent by cutting off supplies and reinforcements, ultimately forcing them into submission. During the conflict involving Athens, blockades played a crucial role in altering the balance of power and contributing to the city's eventual downfall.
Demagogue: A demagogue is a political leader who seeks to gain power by appealing to the emotions, fears, and prejudices of the populace rather than by using rational arguments. This often involves manipulating public sentiment and exploiting social divisions. In the context of ancient Athens, demagogues played a significant role during times of crisis, particularly during conflicts such as the Decelean War, where rhetoric often overshadowed sound policy and governance.
Democracy: Democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives. It emphasizes individual participation, equality, and the protection of personal freedoms, creating a political landscape where citizens have a say in their governance and can influence decision-making processes.
Economic decline: Economic decline refers to a significant and prolonged downturn in the economic performance of a region, characterized by decreasing output, rising unemployment, and reduced consumer spending. In the context of the Decelean War and the Fall of Athens, this decline was driven by military expenditures, loss of resources, and a diminished population, leading to dire consequences for Athenian society and its power structure.
Fall of the Athenian Empire: The Fall of the Athenian Empire refers to the collapse of Athens' political and military dominance in the Greek world following the Peloponnesian War, particularly marked by the defeat at Aegospotami in 405 BCE. This decline was characterized by a series of military defeats, loss of allies, and internal strife, culminating in Athens surrendering to Sparta and the dismantling of its empire. The events leading to this downfall reflect broader themes of power, governance, and the fragility of democratic ideals in times of prolonged conflict.
Hoplite: A hoplite was a heavily armed foot soldier of ancient Greece, primarily known for their role in the phalanx formation. These soldiers were typically citizen-soldiers who fought for their city-states and were equipped with a shield (aspis), spear (doru), and armor, emphasizing the importance of collective strength in warfare. The hoplite's significance extends beyond military prowess, as their existence and the structure of the phalanx influenced social and political dynamics within Greek society.
Lysander: Lysander was a prominent Spartan general during the Peloponnesian War, particularly known for his role in the Decelean War and the eventual fall of Athens. He is best recognized for commanding the Spartan fleet that decisively defeated the Athenian navy at the Battle of Aegospotami in 405 BCE, which led to the collapse of Athenian power and the end of the war. His strategic brilliance and alliances significantly influenced the course of the conflict.
Naval warfare: Naval warfare refers to military operations conducted on or under the sea, utilizing naval forces to achieve strategic objectives. This form of combat is essential in controlling maritime trade routes, projecting power, and defending coastal territories. Throughout history, naval warfare has played a crucial role in major conflicts, particularly in shaping the outcomes of wars by dominating the seas.
Oligarchy: Oligarchy is a form of government in which power is held by a small group of people, often distinguished by wealth, family ties, corporate interests, or military control. This system can lead to the concentration of power and often marginalizes larger segments of the population, influencing social structures and political dynamics significantly.
Persian Support: Persian support refers to the military and financial assistance provided by the Persian Empire, particularly during the latter part of the Peloponnesian War, aimed at undermining Athenian power and influence. This backing was crucial in bolstering Spartan efforts against Athens, ultimately leading to the fall of the Athenian Empire. The strategic alliance between Persia and Sparta changed the dynamics of the conflict, highlighting the importance of foreign intervention in Greek politics.
Plague: In historical contexts, plague refers to a highly infectious and often deadly disease that spreads rapidly through populations, causing widespread mortality. The most infamous instance of plague in Ancient Greece occurred during the Peloponnesian War, significantly impacting the course of the conflict and the city of Athens, leading to social, political, and military repercussions.
Siege of Athens: The Siege of Athens refers to the critical military engagement during the Peloponnesian War, specifically in 404 BCE, when Spartan forces besieged the city of Athens, leading to its eventual surrender. This siege marked the culmination of a protracted conflict between Athens and Sparta, ultimately resulting in the fall of the Athenian Empire and the end of Athenian democracy.
Spartan Alliance: The Spartan Alliance refers to a coalition formed by Sparta with several other city-states, primarily during the later stages of the Peloponnesian War, aimed at countering the power of Athens and its allies. This alliance became crucial in the Decelean War, where Sparta sought to regain dominance in the Greek world by leveraging its military strength and strategic partnerships, ultimately leading to the fall of Athens.
Thucydides' History: Thucydides' History is a detailed account of the Peloponnesian War, written by the ancient Greek historian Thucydides. It is notable for its critical approach to historical evidence and its exploration of themes like power, politics, and human nature, making it an essential source for understanding the complexities of Athenian democracy and the eventual downfall of Athens during the war.
Trireme: A trireme is an ancient Greek warship characterized by its three rows of oars on each side, designed for speed and maneuverability. These ships played a crucial role in naval warfare, particularly during the 5th century BCE, allowing city-states to project military power across the Mediterranean. Their design reflected advancements in naval technology and tactics, influencing how battles were fought on water.
Xenophon's Hellenica: Xenophon's Hellenica is a historical account written by the Athenian historian Xenophon, covering Greek history from 411 to 362 BCE, primarily focusing on the aftermath of the Peloponnesian War. It serves as a crucial source for understanding the political and military events that led to the decline of Athens and the rise of Thebes, capturing significant battles, leadership changes, and shifting alliances during a tumultuous period in Greek history.