Megarian Decree

Definition

The Megarian Decree was a significant economic sanction imposed by Athens against the city-state of Megara during the early stages of the Peloponnesian War. This decree prohibited Megarian merchants from trading in Athenian markets and was part of the growing tensions between Athens and Sparta, reflecting Athens' imperial ambitions and its willingness to use economic power to assert dominance over rival city-states. The decree contributed to the escalation of conflict leading up to the Peloponnesian War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Megarian Decree was enacted around 432 BCE as tensions heightened between Athens and Sparta, specifically targeting Megara due to its alleged collusion with Spartan interests.
2. This decree severely damaged Megara's economy by restricting its access to vital trade routes and markets controlled by Athens.
3. The enforcement of the Megarian Decree was one of the key provocations that fueled the hostilities leading to the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War.
4. The decree also reflected the broader Athenian policy of using economic measures as tools of political power to maintain control over its allies and suppress dissent.
5. Ultimately, the Megarian Decree played a role in uniting various Greek city-states against Athens, contributing to a coalition that included Sparta.

Review Questions

• How did the Megarian Decree illustrate the growing tensions between Athens and Sparta prior to the Peloponnesian War?
  • The Megarian Decree highlighted the increasing hostilities as it was a direct economic attack on Megara, an ally of Sparta. By cutting off Megarian trade in Athenian markets, Athens sought to weaken its rival economically while demonstrating its power. This act not only escalated tensions between Athens and Sparta but also set the stage for broader conflict by showcasing Athens' willingness to use economic sanctions as a means of asserting dominance.
• Evaluate the impact of the Megarian Decree on Megara's economy and how it contributed to the Peloponnesian War.
  • The Megarian Decree had a devastating impact on Megara's economy by excluding it from Athenian markets, which were crucial for trade and commerce. This economic isolation led to increased desperation within Megara, making it more susceptible to Spartan influence. The adverse effects on Megara further galvanized anti-Athenian sentiments among other city-states, thus contributing significantly to the broader coalition forming against Athens as tensions escalated into full-scale war.
• Analyze how the Megarian Decree reflects Athenian imperial policies and their consequences in shaping alliances in ancient Greece.
  • The Megarian Decree exemplifies Athenian imperial policies that prioritized economic control over allies and adversaries alike, illustrating how Athenian strategy relied heavily on economic leverage. By enforcing such sanctions, Athens aimed not only to punish specific rivals but also to deter potential dissent among its allies in the Delian League. The consequences of these policies were profound, as they ultimately fostered resentment and resistance among various city-states, leading them to unite against Athenian dominance during the Peloponnesian War.

Related terms

Peloponnesian War: A protracted conflict between Athens and Sparta that lasted from 431 to 404 BCE, characterized by a struggle for power among Greek city-states.

Delian League: An alliance led by Athens formed in 478 BCE, initially to defend against Persian aggression, which evolved into an Athenian empire exerting control over its allies.

Thucydides: An ancient Greek historian who authored 'History of the Peloponnesian War,' providing a detailed account of the conflict between Athens and Sparta, including the context of the Megarian Decree.