Archidamian War

Definition

The Archidamian War refers to the first phase of the Peloponnesian War, lasting from 431 to 421 B.C., which was marked by a series of annual invasions of Attica by the Spartan king Archidamus II and the Athenian strategy of using its naval superiority. This conflict set the stage for a prolonged struggle between the city-states of Athens and Sparta, highlighting the tension between land and naval power in Ancient Greece during this pivotal period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Archidamian War began when Sparta invaded Attica in response to Athenian expansionism and alliances with other city-states.
2. Pericles advised Athenians to rely on their naval power and avoid direct confrontations with Spartan forces on land.
3. The conflict saw significant events such as the plague that struck Athens in 430 B.C., which devastated its population and weakened morale.
4. A key moment was the signing of the Peace of Nicias in 421 B.C., which temporarily halted hostilities but did not resolve underlying tensions.
5. The Archidamian War laid important groundwork for subsequent phases of the Peloponnesian War, influencing strategies and alliances that shaped Greek politics.

Review Questions

• How did Pericles' strategy influence Athenian tactics during the Archidamian War?
  • Pericles' strategy significantly influenced Athenian tactics by advocating for a reliance on naval strength while avoiding direct land confrontations with Spartan forces. This approach aimed to leverage Athens' superior navy to disrupt enemy supply lines and conduct raids along the coast. By not engaging in land battles where Sparta excelled, Pericles sought to prolong the conflict and exhaust Sparta's resources over time.
• Discuss the impact of the plague on Athens during the Archidamian War and its effects on public morale.
  • The plague that struck Athens in 430 B.C. had a profound impact on both the city-state's population and public morale during the Archidamian War. It resulted in significant loss of life, including that of Pericles himself, which led to leadership instability and growing despair among Athenians. The social fabric of Athens was disrupted as fear and uncertainty spread, challenging Athenian resolve and complicating military efforts against Sparta.
• Evaluate how the events of the Archidamian War set the stage for later conflicts between Athens and Sparta during the Peloponnesian War.
  • The events of the Archidamian War established critical dynamics that shaped later conflicts between Athens and Sparta, particularly through shifting alliances and emerging tensions. The prolonged nature of this war exposed vulnerabilities on both sides, influencing future strategies, such as Sparta's eventual adoption of a more aggressive stance. Furthermore, ongoing rivalries were exacerbated by peace treaties like the Peace of Nicias, which failed to address fundamental issues, ultimately leading to further escalations in hostilities during subsequent phases of the Peloponnesian War.

Related terms

Peloponnesian War:

A protracted conflict fought between the Athenian empire and the Peloponnesian League led by Sparta, which lasted from 431 to 404 B.C.

Pericles' Strategy: The military and political strategy employed by Athenian leader Pericles during the Archidamian War, emphasizing naval power and avoiding land battles against Sparta.

Sicilian Expedition: An ambitious military campaign launched by Athens in 415 B.C. during the Peloponnesian War, aimed at expanding its influence but ultimately leading to a catastrophic defeat.