The Archidamian War (431-421)

Question 1

How long did the Peloponnesian war last?

Answer 1

27 years

Question 2

How long did the Archidamian War last (the first phase of the Peloponnesian war)

Answer 2

431-421: conflict of a phases from previous conflict

Question 3

How long did the Peace of Nikias last: the two main states in peace agreement, no direct war

Answer 3

421-413

Question 4

How long did the Ionian/Dekeleian War last?

Answer 4

413-404

Question 5

What greivances caused the Peloponnesian War?

Answer 5

1. Athenian intervention in alliance with Korkyra, undermining Korinthian influence in north-west part of mainland Greece (Korinth was an ally of the Peloponnese)
2. Complaints from the island polis of Aigina’s internal governance in some way
3. A trade embargo imposed on Megara (one of Athen’s neighbours) as punishment for the Megarians having cultivated secret land and having killed an Athenian envoy.

Question 6

Why was Sparta fearful pre-Peloponnesian war?

Answer 6

1. Athenian expansion directly encroahced on the interests of the most important naval power in the Peloponnesian alliance: Korinth
2. Korinthian dissatisfaction might undermine Sparta’s general standing also in relation to its other alllies (including Aigina and Megera who were both strategically important)
3. Agressive Athenian conduct in the 430s raising the prospects of further Athenian power grab:

Question 7

What did Sparta issue in 431?

Answer 7

An ultimatum to Athens: Athens offers to subject the dispute to arbitration, which is rejected by the Spartans.

Question 8

What happens in the summer of 431?

Answer 8

First annual summer invasion of Athenian territory by Peloponnesian forces:

Question 9

What breaks out in 430?

Answer 9

Deadly epidemic in Athens and other parts of the Greek world, especially parts controlled by Athenians.

Question 10

Who dies in 429/8?

Answer 10

Perikles, one of Athens most prominent military commanders and an influential political figure dies from the epidemic.

Question 11

What do the Peloponnesians attempt to do in 429/8

Answer 11

Attempt to attack the Peiraieus (main port of Athens) but are fended off by the Athenians who are able to hold their own also in naval battles across in the Korinthian gulf and the Northwestern Greek mainland.

Question 12

During the Archidamian War, when does Athens introduce a special war tax?

Answer 12

428: The Athenian introduce a special war tax, levied on the wealthiest part of the free Athenian population.

Clear indication that they cannot rely on the allies contribution to cover the costs of the war.

Question 13

Which city revolts against Athens in 428/27?

Answer 13

Mytilene revolts against Athens, is forced by back Athenians.

Question 14

Which ally of Athens is conquered and destroyed by the Peloponnesians (this neighbours Boiotia? and when was this 428/7

Answer 14

Plataia

Question 15

What place do are Spartan forces taken hostige by Athenian forces? and when is this?

Answer 15

Pylos

in 425

Question 16

When do the Athenians treble the taxes imposed on its allies?

Answer 16

425

Question 17

What is the outcome of the battle of Delion in 424?

Answer 17

Athenians try to win over Boiotia but are defeated.

Question 18

what do the Pelopennesians succeed in doing in the year 424/2?

Answer 18

Peloponnesian’s succed in destabilising Athenian control of the city-states in the North Aegean.