Spartan and Athenian relationship Flashcards
(18 cards)
What was Sparta’s response during the Battle of Marathon in 490? [Herodotus]
Sparta failed to show up, citing a law against sending help before the full moon.
Herodotus Histories 6.106
What stipulation did the other members of the confederacy have regarding leadership during the Persian Wars? [Herodotus]
They stipulated for a Lacedaemonian commander.
Herodotus, Histories, Book 8
What threat did Themistocles use to ensure Athenian involvement at Salamis? [Herodotus]
He threatened to have the Athenians leave for Siris in Italy to create a new city.
Herodotus, 8.63
What excuse did the Athenians use to deprive the Lacedaemonians of command in 478? [Herodotus]
They cited the insufferable behavior of Pausanias.
Herodotus Histories 8.3
What does Thucydides say about Spartan acceptance of Athenian hegemony?
Spartans were fine allowing the Athenians to take hegemony.
Diodorus Siculus 11.50 shows a different picture.
What impact did the Isthmus wall have on Spartan mobilization during the Persian Wars? [Herodotus]
It caused the Spartans to be slow to mobilize, leading to Athenian evacuation from Athens.
Herodotus suggests Peloponnesians cared mainly about protecting the Peloponnese.
What is Pentecontaetia?
The 50 years between the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars.
It marked the rise of Athenian power as the head of the Delian League.
What was the relationship between Athens and Sparta in 464 BC? [Thuc]
They were still allies, with Sparta asking Athens for help after an earthquake
However, mistrust led to Athenians being sent home.
What was the cause of Corinthians’ bitterness towards Athens? [Thuc]
It was chiefly due to Megara joining the Delian League amidst a border war with Corinth.
Thucydides, 1.103
What did the Corinthians suggest to avoid war with Athens? [thuc]
They suggested Athens should revoke the Megarian Decree.
Thucydides, 1.139
What was the outcome of the 5 Year Peace (451) according to Thucydides?
It could be evidence of good relations between Sparta and Athens.
Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War.
What was the significance of the Peace of Nicias (421)? [thuc]
It resulted in Spartan allies being unhappy due to unfair treaty terms, stating Sparta and Athens would be allies for fifty years.
Thucydides, 5.23
What event in 411 could indicate a period of good relations between Sparta and Athens?
An oligarchic coup took over Athens, which was pro-Sparta.
This period may have seen improved relations.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Tanagra (457)? [thuc]
It was the first battle thought to be against each other, resulting in a victory for Sparta.
Soon after, Athens took control of Boeotia.
What did Thucydides say about the Peace of Nicias and its effectiveness?
He said it did nothing and should be seen as a period of war.
Thucydides argued neither side returned everything owed.
What was the significance of the naval battles in the Ionian War? [thuc]
They were a war of attrition where Athens slowly lost its resources.
The Corinthians predicted Athens would fall after losing a naval battle.
Fill in the blank: The Spartans attempted to make a truce with Athens during the events of _______ and Pylos. [thuc]
Sphacteria
What was the fate of 292 of the 440 hoplites at Sphacteria? [thuc]
They were captured alive, including 120 from the Spartan officer class.
Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War, 4.38
