Second Athenian League

Definition

The Second Athenian League was an alliance formed in 377 BC between Athens and several other Greek city-states aimed at countering the growing power of Sparta and reestablishing Athenian influence in the Aegean Sea. This league represented a significant shift in Athenian foreign policy, as it was more focused on mutual defense rather than imperial domination, fostering a sense of collaboration among member states.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Second Athenian League was established in response to the decline of Spartan power following its defeat at the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC.
2. Unlike the Delian League, which was dominated by Athenian imperialism, the Second Athenian League operated on principles of voluntary participation and mutual aid among its member states.
3. The league’s primary focus was to protect its members from external threats, particularly from Persia and Sparta, emphasizing solidarity and cooperation.
4. Key victories in naval battles helped to boost the credibility and effectiveness of the Second Athenian League during its existence.
5. The league eventually struggled with internal discord among its members and declining Athenian leadership, leading to its dissolution by 338 BC after the rise of Macedonian power.

Review Questions

• How did the formation of the Second Athenian League reflect changes in Athenian foreign policy compared to the earlier Delian League?
  • The formation of the Second Athenian League marked a significant shift from Athenian imperialism seen in the Delian League to a more cooperative approach focused on mutual defense. While the Delian League was characterized by Athenian dominance and control over its allies, the Second Athenian League promoted voluntary participation and emphasized solidarity among member states. This change illustrated Athens’ recognition of the need for collaboration to address external threats, particularly from powerful rivals like Sparta.
• Discuss the main challenges faced by the Second Athenian League that contributed to its decline.
  • The Second Athenian League faced several challenges that led to its decline, including internal discord among its member states and diminishing leadership from Athens itself. The initial unity of purpose eroded as city-states began to prioritize their own interests over collective defense. Additionally, external pressures from rising powers like Macedonia and internal strife within the league made it difficult to maintain cohesion and effective military strategy. These factors ultimately culminated in the league's dissolution as Athenian influence waned.
• Evaluate the impact of the Second Athenian League on the political landscape of Greece during its existence and its implications for future alliances.
  • The Second Athenian League had a profound impact on the political landscape of Greece by promoting a model of cooperation that countered hegemonic powers like Sparta. Its emphasis on mutual defense fostered a sense of collective security among city-states and provided a framework for future alliances that sought balance rather than domination. However, its eventual failure highlighted vulnerabilities within such coalitions, particularly regarding commitment and shared objectives. This experience would influence how later alliances were structured, as emerging powers like Macedon began to exploit divisions among Greek states.

Related terms

Delian League: A military alliance led by Athens, initially formed to repel Persian invasions but eventually transformed into an Athenian empire.

Spartan Hegemony: The period of dominance by Sparta over other Greek city-states, particularly after its victory in the Peloponnesian War.

Thucydides: An ancient Greek historian who authored 'The History of the Peloponnesian War,' detailing the conflict between Athens and Sparta.