Decelean War

Definition

The Decelean War was a phase of the Peloponnesian War, occurring from 413 to 404 BCE, marked by increased Spartan aggression and the establishment of a permanent base at Decelea in Attica. This strategic move allowed Sparta to disrupt Athenian resources and bolster their naval capabilities, significantly impacting the war's dynamics. The war led to a shift in power as Sparta, aided by Persian support, ultimately overcame Athens.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Decelean War marked a turning point in the Peloponnesian War, as Sparta shifted from defensive strategies to more aggressive tactics against Athens.
2. The Spartans established a fortified base at Decelea in Attica, which allowed them to launch raids on Athenian territory and disrupt their agricultural production.
3. During this phase of the war, Sparta received significant financial support from Persia, which helped fund their naval fleet and enable a series of successful military operations.
4. The Decelean War included major battles such as those at Cyzicus and Aegospotami, leading to significant defeats for Athens and weakening their control over the Aegean Sea.
5. The culmination of the Decelean War resulted in the defeat of Athens in 404 BCE, leading to the fall of its empire and the imposition of a Spartan-led oligarchy known as the Thirty Tyrants.

Review Questions

• How did the establishment of the Spartan base at Decelea influence Athenian strategies during the Decelean War?
  • The establishment of the Spartan base at Decelea significantly hindered Athenian strategies by allowing Sparta to launch continuous raids into Athenian territory. This base disrupted Athens' agricultural resources and supply lines, forcing them to adopt more defensive measures and divert resources to protect their land. The constant pressure applied by Spartan forces made it difficult for Athens to maintain its previous level of military engagement and economic stability.
• Discuss the role of Persian support in enhancing Spartan military capabilities during the Decelean War.
  • Persian support played a crucial role in enhancing Spartan military capabilities during the Decelean War by providing financial resources that allowed Sparta to build a formidable naval fleet. This naval strength enabled Sparta to challenge Athenian dominance at sea effectively. Additionally, Persian backing helped Sparta maintain its prolonged military campaigns against Athens, facilitating significant victories that contributed to Athens' eventual defeat.
• Evaluate how the outcomes of the Decelean War affected the political landscape of ancient Greece following Athens' defeat in 404 BCE.
  • The outcomes of the Decelean War drastically reshaped the political landscape of ancient Greece after Athens' defeat in 404 BCE. The fall of Athens marked the end of its golden age and led to the temporary establishment of Spartan hegemony over Greece. The imposition of oligarchy through the Thirty Tyrants further destabilized Athenian democracy and fostered resentment among other city-states. This shift created an environment ripe for future conflicts and rivalries among Greek city-states, paving the way for eventual challenges to Spartan dominance.

Related terms

Peloponnesian War: A protracted conflict between Athens and Sparta, along with their respective allies, lasting from 431 to 404 BCE, divided into three main phases: the Archidamian War, the Sicilian Expedition, and the Ionian or Decelean War.

Sparta: A prominent city-state in ancient Greece known for its military-oriented society and oligarchic government, which played a leading role in the opposition against Athens during the Peloponnesian War.

Persian Empire: A powerful empire that extended across the Near East; during the Peloponnesian War, it provided crucial support to Sparta against Athens, influencing the conflict's outcome.