Treaty of 404 BC

Definition

The Treaty of 404 BC was a peace agreement that marked the end of the Peloponnesian War, formally concluding the conflict between Athens and Sparta. This treaty established Spartan hegemony over Greece and led to significant political changes, including the dismantling of Athenian democracy and the imposition of an oligarchic government in Athens known as the Thirty Tyrants.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Treaty of 404 BC was brokered after Sparta's decisive victory at Aegospotami, where they captured the Athenian fleet and blockaded Athens.
2. Following the treaty, Sparta imposed a harsh peace on Athens, leading to the establishment of a puppet government that severely restricted freedoms.
3. This treaty effectively ended the Golden Age of Athens and marked a significant shift in power dynamics throughout ancient Greece.
4. The treaty required Athens to dismantle its walls and limit its naval power, leading to a period of Spartan dominance in Greek affairs.
5. The repercussions of the Treaty of 404 BC contributed to ongoing tensions and conflicts in Greece, eventually setting the stage for future wars, including the Corinthian War.

Review Questions

• What were the key terms and conditions established by the Treaty of 404 BC, and how did they impact Athens?
  • The Treaty of 404 BC mandated that Athens dismantle its fortifications and reduce its naval capacity. This significantly weakened Athenian military power and autonomy, transforming it from a dominant force into a subordinate city-state under Spartan control. The terms also led to the installation of an oligarchic regime in Athens, which further suppressed democratic governance and altered the political landscape of Greece.
• Analyze how the Treaty of 404 BC shifted the balance of power in ancient Greece and its long-term implications for Spartan hegemony.
  • The Treaty of 404 BC marked a definitive shift in power from Athens to Sparta, establishing Sparta as the dominant city-state in Greece. This shift allowed Sparta to exert control over other Greek city-states and enforce its political ideologies, leading to greater instability among its allies and adversaries alike. However, Spartan dominance was fraught with challenges, as resentment brewed against their rule, ultimately resulting in conflicts such as the Corinthian War.
• Evaluate the significance of the Treaty of 404 BC in shaping subsequent political developments in ancient Greece, particularly regarding democracy and oligarchy.
  • The Treaty of 404 BC had profound implications for the future political landscape of ancient Greece. The imposition of the Thirty Tyrants highlighted the vulnerability of democratic governance when subjected to external pressures. This oligarchic rule sparked resistance from various factions within Athens, leading to a revival of democratic ideals that eventually culminated in a restoration of democracy. The tensions created by this treaty thus set a precedent for future conflicts between oligarchic and democratic forces across Greece.

Related terms

Peloponnesian War:

A protracted conflict fought between the city-states of Athens and Sparta, along with their respective allies, from 431 to 404 BC.

Sparta:

A prominent city-state in ancient Greece known for its military-oriented society and significant role in defeating Athens during the Peloponnesian War.

Thirty Tyrants:

A pro-Spartan oligarchy that ruled Athens after the Treaty of 404 BC, known for its oppressive regime and eventual overthrow by democratic forces.