Megarian Decree

Definition

The Megarian Decree was a set of economic sanctions imposed by Athens against the city-state of Megara around 432 BCE. This decree was significant as it exemplified the increasing tensions between Athens and its rivals in the Greek world, contributing to the broader conflict of the Peloponnesian War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Megarian Decree prohibited Megarian merchants from accessing Athenian markets and harbors, effectively crippling their economy.
2. This decree was part of a larger series of aggressive policies by Athens aimed at asserting its dominance over other city-states.
3. The imposition of the Megarian Decree is often cited as one of the immediate causes leading up to the outbreak of the Peloponnesian War.
4. Megara's close alliance with Sparta intensified the conflict, as Sparta supported Megara in response to Athenian aggression.
5. The decree highlighted the fragility of alliances in the Greek world and demonstrated how economic factors could escalate into military conflicts.

Review Questions

• How did the Megarian Decree reflect the growing tensions between Athens and other Greek city-states?
  • The Megarian Decree illustrated Athens' willingness to use economic measures as a means of exerting power over its rivals. By imposing sanctions on Megara, Athens sought to weaken a neighboring city-state that was aligned with Sparta, demonstrating its aggressive stance in regional politics. This act not only antagonized Megara but also escalated tensions with Sparta, contributing to an environment ripe for conflict leading up to the Peloponnesian War.
• Analyze the impact of the Megarian Decree on Athenian foreign policy and its relationships with other city-states.
  • The Megarian Decree marked a shift in Athenian foreign policy toward more assertive and aggressive tactics aimed at maintaining dominance over its allies and rivals. By isolating Megara economically, Athens showcased its power but also alienated other city-states that viewed this action as tyrannical. As a result, alliances began to shift, with former allies reconsidering their positions, which ultimately destabilized regional politics and set the stage for war.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of the Megarian Decree for Athens and its position within the Greek world during the Peloponnesian War.
  • The Megarian Decree had lasting implications for Athens, as it not only provoked an immediate military response from Sparta but also exemplified how economic sanctions could lead to broader conflicts. In the long term, this action contributed to a perception of Athens as an imperial power willing to use coercive measures against its own allies. As tensions escalated into full-scale war, Athens found itself increasingly isolated, facing unified opposition that would ultimately contribute to its downfall by 404 BCE.

Related terms

Peloponnesian War: A protracted conflict between Athens and Sparta along with their respective allies, lasting from 431 to 404 BCE, which stemmed from rising tensions and power struggles in the Greek city-states.

Delian League: An alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens, formed in the wake of the Persian Wars to coordinate defense against future threats, which later became a tool for Athenian imperialism.

Economic Sanctions: Restrictive measures taken by one or more countries against another country to influence its behavior, often affecting trade and financial transactions.