Decelean War

Definition

The Decelean War, also known as the Ionian or the Great Peloponnesian War, was a significant phase of the Peloponnesian War that lasted from 413 to 404 BCE. This conflict was marked by Sparta's establishment of a fortified base at Decelea in Attica, which allowed them to sustain pressure on Athens and ultimately contributed to Athens' defeat. The Decelean War shifted the dynamics of the conflict, seeing an increase in naval engagements and foreign intervention, particularly from Persia.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Decelean War was initiated after the disastrous Athenian expedition to Sicily, leading to a shift in strategy for both sides.
2. Sparta's decision to fortify Decelea allowed them to disrupt Athenian agriculture and supply lines, significantly weakening Athens' war effort.
3. Persia provided critical financial support to Sparta during this phase, allowing them to build a more formidable navy and challenge Athenian supremacy at sea.
4. The Decelean War saw major battles at sea, such as the Battle of Notium and the Battle of Aegospotami, which ultimately led to Athenian defeat.
5. The war ended with the fall of Athens in 404 BCE, resulting in the establishment of a Spartan hegemony over Greece.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of Decelea impact the strategies employed by both Sparta and Athens during the Decelean War?
  • The establishment of Decelea by Sparta had a profound impact on the war strategies of both city-states. For Sparta, it provided a strategic foothold close to Athens, allowing them to raid Athenian territories and disrupt their supply lines effectively. Conversely, Athens had to divert resources and troops to protect against these incursions, which stretched their capabilities thin and forced them into a defensive posture. This shift in strategy played a crucial role in undermining Athenian power during this phase of the war.
• Discuss the role of Persian intervention in the Decelean War and its effect on the balance of power between Athens and Sparta.
  • Persian intervention was a game changer during the Decelean War. By providing financial backing to Sparta, Persia enabled them to create a more powerful navy capable of challenging Athenian control over the seas. This shift not only bolstered Spartan military capabilities but also altered the balance of power within the Greek world, as it weakened Athenian dominance and helped facilitate a series of defeats for Athens at critical naval battles. The infusion of Persian resources into Spartan efforts ultimately contributed to the downfall of Athens.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the Decelean War influenced subsequent political dynamics in ancient Greece after the fall of Athens.
  • The outcome of the Decelean War marked a significant turning point in ancient Greek history, leading to Spartan hegemony over much of Greece. After Athens' defeat in 404 BCE, Sparta established oligarchic rule over many city-states, which led to political instability and discontent among various populations. The harsh terms imposed on Athens and other defeated states set off cycles of unrest that would eventually contribute to further conflicts, including the Corinthian War. Thus, the Decelean War not only concluded Athenian dominance but also reshaped political alliances and rivalries in ancient Greece for years to come.

Related terms

Peloponnesian War:

A protracted conflict fought between the city-states of Athens and Sparta, along with their respective allies, which lasted from 431 to 404 BCE.

Sparta:

A prominent city-state in ancient Greece known for its military-oriented society and rivalry with Athens during the Peloponnesian War.

Persian Intervention: The involvement of the Persian Empire in the Peloponnesian War, primarily providing financial support to Sparta in exchange for influence over Greek city-states.