Glossary

8.1 Spartan Hegemony and the Corinthian War

7 min read•august 13, 2024

After the Peloponnesian War, emerged as the dominant power in Greece. But their reign was short-lived. The (395-387 BCE) challenged Spartan , with , , , and Argos forming an anti-Spartan coalition.

The war exposed Sparta's limitations and weakened their control. It ended with the , dictated by Persia, which reshaped Greek politics. This conflict marked a turning point, paving the way for new powers to rise and ultimately leading to the conquest of Greece by Macedon.

Sparta's Rise to Power

Sparta's Victory in the Peloponnesian War

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  • Sparta's victory over Athens in the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE) established Sparta as the dominant power in the Greek world
  • The , led by Sparta, emerged as the preeminent military and political force after the war
  • Many Greek city-states, seeking protection or alliance, turned to Sparta as the dominant power following Athens' defeat
  • The weakening of Athens and other rival city-states during the Peloponnesian War left a power vacuum that Sparta was able to fill

Factors Contributing to Sparta's Dominance

  • Sparta's military strength, based on its highly trained and disciplined hoplite army, was a key factor in its rise to power
    • The Spartan military was renowned for its effectiveness and ability to maintain control over its allies and subject states
    • Sparta's military prowess allowed it to assert its dominance over other Greek city-states
  • Sparta's political system, with its dual kingship and the powerful ephors, provided stability and continuity in its leadership
    • This allowed Sparta to pursue a consistent foreign policy and maintain its hegemony
    • The stable political system enabled Sparta to make long-term strategic decisions and maintain control over its allies
  • Sparta's alliance with Persia during the latter stages of the Peloponnesian War provided financial support and naval assistance
    • Persian support contributed to Sparta's ultimate victory over Athens
    • The alliance with Persia strengthened Sparta's position and helped it establish its dominance in the Greek world

Corinthian War: Key Events and Impacts

Battle of Haliartus (395 BCE) and its Consequences

  • The war began with the , in which Thebes defeated a Spartan force
    • This defeat signaled the vulnerability of Spartan power and encouraged other city-states to join the anti-Spartan coalition
    • The battle demonstrated that Sparta was not invincible and could be challenged by other Greek powers
  • The formation of the anti-Spartan coalition, including Athens, Thebes, Corinth, and Argos, posed a significant threat to Spartan hegemony
    • The coalition sought to challenge Spartan dominance and restore a balance of power in Greece
    • The involvement of major city-states like Athens and Thebes in the coalition made it a formidable opponent to Sparta

Key Battles and their Outcomes

  • The Battle of Nemea (394 BCE) was a significant land engagement in which the Spartans defeated the coalition forces
    • This victory demonstrated Sparta's continued military prowess and its ability to win decisive battles on land
    • However, the victory did not lead to a swift end to the war, as the coalition forces remained determined to challenge Spartan hegemony
  • The Battle of Cnidus (394 BCE), a naval encounter, saw the combined Persian and Greek fleet, led by the Athenian admiral Conon, defeat the Spartan navy
    • This battle weakened Sparta's naval power and allowed Athens to rebuild its fleet and walls
    • The defeat at Cnidus was a significant blow to Sparta's power and prestige, as it demonstrated the vulnerability of its navy
  • The Battle of Coronea (394 BCE) was another Spartan victory on land, but it failed to decisively end the war or crush the opposition to Spartan hegemony
    • The inconclusive nature of many battles, like Coronea, contributed to a prolonged conflict that gradually eroded Sparta's power and resources
    • The inability to achieve a decisive victory despite its military strength revealed the limitations of Sparta's power and the resilience of its opponents

Corinthian War: Consequences for Greece

Political and Military Consequences

  • The Corinthian War ended with the King's Peace (also known as the ) in 387 BCE, which was dictated by the Persian king Artaxerxes II
    • This peace recognized Persian authority over the Greek cities of Ionia and Cyprus, undermining Greek autonomy
    • The terms of the peace reflected the growing influence of Persia in Greek affairs and the weakening of Greek unity
  • The war exposed the limitations of Sparta's military power and its ability to maintain control over its allies and subject states
    • The coalition against Sparta demonstrated the willingness of other city-states to challenge Spartan dominance
    • Sparta's inability to decisively defeat the coalition revealed the limits of its military might and the difficulties in maintaining hegemony
  • The conflict drained Sparta's resources and manpower, weakening its ability to assert its hegemony effectively
    • The prolonged war took a toll on Sparta's economy and population, reducing its capacity to project power
    • Internal divisions within Sparta, such as the conspiracy of Cinadon, revealed social and political tensions that further weakened its position

Shifting Balance of Power

  • The Corinthian War allowed Athens to rebuild its walls and fleet, laying the foundation for its eventual recovery and resurgence as a significant power in the 4th century BCE
    • Athens' revival challenged Sparta's dominance and contributed to a more balanced distribution of power among Greek city-states
    • The reconstruction of Athens' defenses and naval power demonstrated its resilience and ability to bounce back from defeat
  • The war marked a shift in the balance of power, with Sparta's hegemony weakened and no single city-state able to establish uncontested dominance over Greece
    • The weakening of Sparta created opportunities for other powers, such as Thebes and Macedon, to assert themselves in the following decades
    • The lack of a clear hegemon led to a period of increased competition and shifting alliances among Greek city-states
  • The consequences of the Corinthian War paved the way for the rise of new powers and the eventual conquest of Greece by Macedon under Philip II and Alexander the Great
    • The weakening of Sparta and the lack of a strong, unified Greek power left Greece vulnerable to the rise of Macedon
    • The shifting balance of power and the inability of Greek city-states to unite effectively against external threats ultimately contributed to the downfall of Greek independence

Persian Involvement in the Corinthian War

Motivations and Support for Sparta's Opponents

  • Persia, under King Artaxerxes II, played a significant role in the Corinthian War by providing financial and military support to Sparta's opponents, particularly Athens and the anti-Spartan coalition
    • Persian support was crucial in enabling the coalition to challenge Sparta's military dominance and prolong the conflict
    • The provision of resources and assistance to Sparta's enemies reflected Persia's desire to weaken Sparta's power and maintain a balance of power in Greece
  • Persian involvement was motivated by the desire to prevent any single Greek city-state from becoming too powerful and potentially threatening Persian interests
    • A divided and weakened Greece was seen as beneficial to Persian security and influence in the region
    • By supporting Sparta's opponents, Persia sought to maintain a balance of power that would keep the Greek city-states in check and prevent them from uniting against Persia

Persian Military Intervention and the King's Peace

  • The Persian fleet, commanded by the Athenian admiral Conon, played a crucial role in the Battle of Cnidus (394 BCE)
    • The combined Persian and Greek fleet defeated the Spartan navy, weakening Sparta's naval power and boosting the morale of the anti-Spartan coalition
    • Persian naval support was instrumental in challenging Sparta's dominance at sea and providing a counterweight to its military might
  • Persian financial support allowed the anti-Spartan coalition to sustain their war effort and provided them with the resources needed to challenge Sparta's military dominance
    • Persian funding helped the coalition city-states maintain their armies and fleets, prolonging the conflict and draining Sparta's resources
    • The influx of Persian money into the Greek world also had economic and political consequences, increasing Persian influence and shifting the balance of power
  • The King's Peace (387 BCE), which ended the Corinthian War, was dictated by Artaxerxes II and reflected Persian interests
    • The peace terms recognized Persian authority over the Greek cities of Ionia and Cyprus, undermining Greek autonomy and solidifying Persian influence in the region
    • The King's Peace demonstrated Persia's ability to intervene in Greek affairs and shape the outcome of conflicts to its advantage
  • Persian involvement in the Corinthian War foreshadowed the growing role of Persia in shaping the political landscape of Greece in the 4th century BCE
    • The increasing influence of Persia in Greek affairs set the stage for further interventions and the eventual conquest of Greece by Alexander the Great
    • The reliance of Greek city-states on Persian support and the willingness of Persia to intervene in Greek conflicts highlighted the shifting power dynamics in the region and the decline of Greek independence

Key Terms to Review (19)

Agesilaus II: Agesilaus II was a prominent Spartan king who ruled during the late 5th century BCE, known for his military leadership and significant role in the conflict against Persia and the subsequent power struggles in Greece. His reign marked a pivotal moment for Sparta, as he led military campaigns that solidified Spartan hegemony and influenced the dynamics of the Corinthian War, while also impacting the efforts of the Second Athenian Confederacy to regain power in the Greek world.
Athens: Athens was a prominent city-state in ancient Greece, known for its cultural, political, and intellectual achievements. It is often regarded as the birthplace of democracy and played a significant role in the development of Western civilization, particularly through its contributions to philosophy, art, and governance.
Battle of Haliartus: The Battle of Haliartus was a significant military confrontation that took place in 395 BCE between the forces of Sparta and a coalition of cities including Thebes and Corinth during the Corinthian War. This battle marked a crucial moment in the struggle for power among Greek city-states, highlighting the decline of Spartan dominance and the rising opposition from other city-states as they sought to challenge Spartan hegemony.
Corinth: Corinth was a prominent city-state in ancient Greece known for its strategic location on the Isthmus of Corinth, connecting the Peloponnese to mainland Greece. It played a crucial role in trade, military power, and culture, significantly influencing Greek history through its involvement in various conflicts and economic activities.
Corinthian War: The Corinthian War (395-387 BC) was a conflict in ancient Greece that pitted the major city-states of Athens, Thebes, Corinth, and Argos against Sparta. It emerged from the power struggles following the Peloponnesian War and was characterized by shifting alliances and a desire for independence among the Greek states. The war ultimately underscored the fragility of Spartan hegemony and highlighted the continued rivalry and division among the city-states.
Decline of Spartan Power: The decline of Spartan power refers to the gradual loss of dominance and influence that Sparta experienced in the ancient Greek world, particularly following the end of the Peloponnesian War. This shift was marked by a series of military defeats, loss of territory, and internal strife, which ultimately led to Sparta's inability to maintain its hegemony over other Greek city-states. The aftermath of the Corinthian War was a critical turning point that showcased Sparta's weakened state in relation to its rivals.
Decline of the polis: The decline of the polis refers to the gradual weakening and eventual collapse of the city-state system in Ancient Greece, which was characterized by independent, self-governing communities. This decline was influenced by various factors including internal strife, external pressures from larger powers, and shifts in political and economic structures that eroded the significance of the polis as the primary political unit. As a result, the social and cultural fabric of Greek life, once centered around these city-states, began to unravel.
Epaminondas: Epaminondas was a prominent Theban general and statesman known for his innovative military tactics and strategic brilliance in the 4th century BCE. His leadership was pivotal in ending Spartan hegemony and establishing Thebes as a major power in Greece, particularly highlighted during the Battle of Leuctra.
Hegemony: Hegemony refers to the dominance or leadership of one state or group over others, particularly in political, social, or economic spheres. It often involves a combination of coercion and consent, where the dominant power shapes the preferences and interests of subordinate entities through various means, including cultural influence, political alliances, and military strength.
King's peace: The king's peace refers to a significant peace treaty established by the Persian king Artaxerxes II in 387 BCE, aimed at ending the conflicts between various Greek city-states following the Peloponnesian War. This treaty, also known as the Peace of Antalcidas, sought to reinforce Spartan hegemony and provide a framework for stability in the region, favoring the interests of Persia while limiting the autonomy of other city-states.
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.
Peace of Antalcidas: The Peace of Antalcidas, also known as the King's Peace, was a treaty established in 387 BC that ended the Corinthian War and reasserted Spartan hegemony over Greece. This peace agreement, brokered by the Persian Empire, not only favored Sparta but also recognized its dominance while disbanding the naval power of its rivals, thus altering the political landscape of ancient Greece.
Peloponnesian League: The Peloponnesian League was a military alliance of city-states in the Peloponnese, led by Sparta, formed to counter the power of Athens and its Delian League allies. This coalition was significant in shaping the political landscape of Ancient Greece and played a crucial role in the conflicts that arose during the Peloponnesian War.
Phalanx Formation: The phalanx formation was a military tactic used by ancient Greek armies, characterized by a dense grouping of heavily armed infantry soldiers, or hoplites, standing shoulder to shoulder in rows. This formation allowed for collective strength and discipline in combat, making it highly effective in battles against less organized foes. The phalanx was essential in shaping the outcomes of key conflicts during the Persian Wars and later during the Spartan dominance in Greece.
Realism in politics: Realism in politics is a theoretical approach that emphasizes the competitive and conflictual side of human relations, asserting that political behavior is driven by self-interest, power dynamics, and the anarchic nature of international relations. This perspective often prioritizes national interest and security over ideological or ethical considerations, shaping how states interact within the global arena.
Rise of Theban influence: The rise of Theban influence refers to the significant increase in power and authority of Thebes, a city-state in ancient Greece, particularly during the 4th century BCE. This period marked a shift from Spartan dominance to Theban leadership, highlighted by key military victories and strategic alliances that reshaped the balance of power in Greece.
Shock Tactics: Shock tactics refer to aggressive and unexpected military strategies aimed at demoralizing the enemy and creating confusion during conflict. These tactics often involve sudden and brutal assaults designed to instill fear, disrupt enemy operations, and cause psychological distress. This approach can be seen in various historical military contexts, notably during conflicts where unconventional warfare strategies were employed to gain an upper hand.
Sparta: Sparta was a prominent city-state in ancient Greece known for its military-oriented society and unique political system. Renowned for its disciplined citizens and powerful army, Sparta played a crucial role in various significant events in ancient Greek history, impacting the evolution of governance, warfare, and daily life.
Thebes: Thebes was an ancient Greek city-state located in Boeotia, known for its significant military power and cultural contributions during various historical periods. It played a crucial role in the political dynamics of Greece, particularly during the Mycenaean era, the rise of Spartan dominance, the conquests of Alexander the Great, and the development of siege warfare strategies.
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