Megarian Decree

Definition

The Megarian Decree was an economic sanction imposed by Athens in 432 BCE against the city-state of Megara, which restricted Megarian merchants from trading in Athenian markets and accessing Athenian territory. This decree played a significant role in escalating tensions between Athens and its rival, Sparta, contributing to the broader conflicts that led to the Peloponnesian War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Megarian Decree was part of a series of tensions and disputes between Athens and Megara, including land claims and trade rights.
2. Pericles supported the decree as a way to undermine Spartan power and strengthen Athenian influence in the region.
3. The imposition of the decree contributed to a wider conflict as Megara appealed to Sparta for support, thereby drawing more city-states into the Athenian-Spartan rivalry.
4. The economic impact of the decree severely harmed Megara's economy, leading to increased animosity towards Athens.
5. The Megarian Decree is often cited as one of the immediate causes that helped spark the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War in 431 BCE.

Review Questions

• How did the Megarian Decree impact trade relations among Greek city-states leading up to the Peloponnesian War?
  • The Megarian Decree significantly disrupted trade relations as it barred Megara from accessing Athenian markets, creating economic strain for Megara. This action not only weakened Megara but also heightened tensions among other city-states, particularly Sparta, which viewed Athens' aggressive tactics as a threat. The decree's effects rippled through alliances and rivalries, setting the stage for greater conflict in Greece.
• Evaluate the role of Pericles in the enforcement of the Megarian Decree and its implications for Athenian foreign policy.
  • Pericles played a crucial role in advocating for the Megarian Decree as part of his broader strategy to assert Athenian dominance over rival states. By supporting this sanction, he aimed to weaken Megara economically while simultaneously sending a clear message to Sparta about Athenian resolve. This approach exemplified Pericles' willingness to use economic pressure as a means of foreign policy, which ultimately contributed to escalating hostilities that ignited the Peloponnesian War.
• Analyze how the Megarian Decree served as a catalyst for the larger conflict between Athens and Sparta during the Peloponnesian War.
  • The Megarian Decree acted as a catalyst by intensifying existing tensions between Athens and Sparta and their respective allies. As Megara sought assistance from Sparta following its economic decline due to Athenian sanctions, it drew more city-states into a polarized conflict. The decree not only highlighted Athenian aggressiveness but also solidified Spartan opposition, leading to a united front against Athenian expansionism. This situation illustrates how specific actions, like the Megarian Decree, can escalate into broader military confrontations, such as the Peloponnesian War.

Related terms

Peloponnesian League: A coalition of city-states in the Peloponnesus led by Sparta, which opposed the Athenian Empire and its allies.

Delian League: An alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens, originally formed to defend against Persian threats but later used to assert Athenian dominance.

Pericles: The influential Athenian statesman during the early years of the Peloponnesian War who advocated for the Megarian Decree and expanded Athenian power.