Attic Strategy

Definition

The Attic Strategy was a military approach adopted by Athens during the Archidamian War, characterized by defensive tactics, reliance on naval power, and strategic avoidance of land battles with Sparta. This strategy emphasized the use of the Athenian navy to control sea trade routes and maintain supplies while avoiding direct confrontations with the formidable Spartan hoplites on land. The goal was to wear down the Spartan resolve over time through attrition rather than immediate confrontation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Attic Strategy allowed Athens to utilize its superior naval capabilities, which were crucial for trade and resource maintenance.
2. This strategy was partially developed under Pericles, who believed that avoiding direct land confrontations with Sparta would lead to a war of attrition favoring Athens.
3. Athens fortified its city walls and relied on a network of allied city-states for support during the prolonged conflict.
4. The strategy led to initial successes for Athens but also created vulnerabilities, as reliance on the navy meant neglecting land defenses.
5. Ultimately, while the Attic Strategy prolonged the conflict, it could not prevent eventual setbacks for Athens, including significant losses in naval battles.

Review Questions

• How did the Attic Strategy reflect Athenian military philosophy and its strengths in naval warfare?
  • The Attic Strategy showcased Athenian military philosophy by emphasizing their strengths in naval warfare over land engagements. By focusing on their powerful navy, Athens aimed to control maritime trade routes and conduct raids that would disrupt Spartan supply lines. This approach reflected a strategic understanding that engaging Sparta's elite hoplites directly would likely lead to defeat, thus opting for a more cautious yet potentially sustainable form of warfare.
• Evaluate how the adoption of the Attic Strategy influenced the course of the Archidamian War and Athenian society.
  • The adoption of the Attic Strategy significantly influenced both the course of the Archidamian War and Athenian society. It allowed Athens to maintain a defensive posture while leveraging its naval superiority, leading to initial successes such as raiding Spartan territories. However, this long-term strategy also strained Athenian resources and morale as citizens faced constant invasions in their homeland, leading to social unrest and questioning of Pericles' leadership as the war dragged on.
• Synthesize how the successes and failures of the Attic Strategy contributed to Athens' eventual defeat in the Peloponnesian War.
  • The successes of the Attic Strategy initially provided Athens with advantages in naval power and economic control, allowing them to prolong their fight against Sparta. However, as time went on, this reliance on naval tactics created vulnerabilities that were exploited by Spartan allies who began to adapt their strategies. The inability to achieve decisive victories on land coupled with devastating losses at sea weakened Athens' position. Ultimately, these factors culminated in Athens' defeat in the Peloponnesian War, demonstrating that while strategic avoidance can be effective, it must be balanced with proactive military engagement.

Related terms

Archidamian War: The first part of the Peloponnesian War, lasting from 431 to 421 BCE, marked by a series of annual invasions by Sparta into Attica and Athenian naval raids.

Pericles: The Athenian general and statesman who was a key proponent of the Attic Strategy and played a significant role in shaping Athenian policy during the early years of the Peloponnesian War.

Hoplite: A heavily armed foot soldier of ancient Greece, typically fighting in a phalanx formation; these soldiers were central to the Spartan military strength.