Megarian Decree

Definition

The Megarian Decree was an economic sanction imposed by Athens against the city-state of Megara in 432 BCE, which prohibited Megarian merchants from trading within the Athenian Empire. This decree played a crucial role in escalating tensions between Athens and its rivals, contributing to the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Megarian Decree was introduced by the Athenian assembly as a response to perceived grievances from Megara, including claims of harboring runaway slaves.
2. The decree effectively cut off Megara from trade with Athenian markets, severely impacting its economy and heightening hostilities between the two states.
3. Sparta and its allies viewed the Megarian Decree as an act of aggression by Athens, which further solidified their coalition against Athenian power.
4. The imposition of the Megarian Decree is often cited as one of the immediate causes that led to the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War in 431 BCE.
5. The economic ramifications of the decree were significant enough to drive Megara into seeking military assistance from Sparta, thereby escalating regional tensions.

Review Questions

• What were the economic impacts of the Megarian Decree on both Megara and Athens, and how did these impacts contribute to rising tensions?
  • The Megarian Decree severely restricted Megara's access to Athenian markets, crippling its economy and provoking resentment. This economic strain drove Megara to seek support from Sparta, prompting further hostilities. For Athens, the decree was seen as a means of asserting dominance over its allies, contributing to a climate of mistrust that ultimately fueled the escalation toward war.
• How did external alliances shift in response to the Megarian Decree and its implications for Athenian power?
  • The Megarian Decree prompted Sparta to rally its allies against Athens, leading to a more cohesive anti-Athenian coalition. The decree showcased Athenian imperialism, which alarmed other city-states and encouraged them to join forces with Sparta. As tensions escalated, these shifts in alliances highlighted Athens' increasingly aggressive policies that alienated former allies.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Megarian Decree on the course of the Peloponnesian War and subsequent Greek history.
  • The long-term consequences of the Megarian Decree were profound, as it marked a decisive moment in escalating hostilities that ignited the Peloponnesian War. This conflict reshaped Greek politics, leading to significant shifts in power dynamics across city-states. The war's eventual outcome contributed to a decline in Athenian influence and set the stage for future conflicts among Greek states, illustrating how a single decree can ripple through history.

Related terms

Peloponnesian War:

A protracted conflict between Athens and Sparta, along with their respective allies, lasting from 431 to 404 BCE, characterized by a struggle for dominance in the Greek world.

Delian League:

An alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens, formed after the Persian Wars to defend against potential threats and promote trade, which also became a vehicle for Athenian imperialism.

Pericles:

An influential Athenian leader during the early stages of the Peloponnesian War, known for his strategies and policies that emphasized naval power and imperial expansion.