Decelean War

Definition

The Decelean War was the final phase of the Peloponnesian War, lasting from 413 to 404 BCE, characterized by Spartan efforts to establish a permanent base at Decelea in Attica. This stage marked a significant shift in the conflict as Sparta received support from Persia, enabling them to challenge Athenian power more effectively. The establishment of a fortified position at Decelea disrupted Athenian resources and morale, ultimately leading to Athens' defeat and the end of the war.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Decelean War began after the Sicilian Expedition, which was a disastrous military campaign for Athens that weakened its resources and morale.
2. Sparta's establishment of a fort at Decelea allowed them to conduct raids into Athenian territory, severely impacting Athenian agriculture and trade routes.
3. Persia's involvement provided Sparta with the necessary funds to build a powerful navy, enabling them to challenge Athenian naval superiority.
4. The war ended with the fall of Athens in 404 BCE, leading to the brief establishment of an oligarchic government known as the Thirty Tyrants.
5. The defeat of Athens in the Decelean War marked the decline of Athenian democracy and power, shifting dominance in Greece towards Sparta and eventually leading to further conflicts among Greek states.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of a Spartan base at Decelea influence Athenian strategy during the Decelean War?
  • The Spartan base at Decelea had a profound impact on Athenian strategy as it disrupted Athenian supply lines and allowed Sparta to launch continuous raids into Attica. This forced Athens to divert resources to defend its territory, weakening their naval campaigns and overall military position. The psychological effect of having a constant enemy presence nearby also contributed to declining morale among Athenians.
• Evaluate the significance of Persian support for Sparta during the Decelean War and its impact on the outcome of the conflict.
  • Persian support was crucial for Sparta during the Decelean War as it provided financial backing that enabled them to build a formidable navy. This naval power allowed Sparta to effectively contest Athenian dominance at sea, where they had previously been weaker. The influx of resources transformed the dynamics of the war, leading ultimately to Athenian defeat and marking a shift in power among Greek city-states.
• Assess how the end of the Decelean War affected political structures in Greece and contributed to future conflicts.
  • The end of the Decelean War resulted in the collapse of Athenian democracy and power, replaced briefly by an oligarchy under the Thirty Tyrants. This shift destabilized political structures across Greece as other city-states reacted to Spartan dominance. The resulting power vacuum and dissatisfaction among various factions led to further strife, including Theban challenges to Spartan hegemony and eventual conflicts like the Corinthian War, setting a volatile stage for future Greek history.

Related terms

Peloponnesian War: A protracted conflict between Athens and Sparta, along with their respective allies, which lasted from 431 to 404 BCE and fundamentally reshaped the ancient Greek world.

Sparta: A prominent city-state in ancient Greece known for its military-oriented society and pivotal role in the Peloponnesian War against Athens.

Persian Support: The financial and military aid provided by the Persian Empire to Sparta during the latter part of the Peloponnesian War, which significantly bolstered Spartan efforts against Athens.