Peace of Callias

Definition

The Peace of Callias was a peace treaty established around 449 BCE that marked the end of hostilities between the Greek city-states and the Persian Empire, following the Persian Wars. This treaty recognized the autonomy of the Greek states in Asia Minor and effectively ended Persian expansion in the region, allowing for a period of stability and growth among the Greek city-states, especially Athens, which had emerged as a dominant power after the wars.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Peace of Callias is attributed to the Athenian general Callias, who negotiated the terms with the Persian satrap Artaxerxes.
2. The treaty stipulated that Persia would no longer interfere in Greek affairs and would withdraw its forces from Asia Minor.
3. The agreement allowed Athens to focus on its empire and fostered its cultural and political dominance in the years following the Persian Wars.
4. While the exact text of the treaty is not known, its implications were significant for maintaining Greek autonomy and deterring further Persian aggression.
5. The Peace of Callias laid the groundwork for the subsequent Golden Age of Athens, facilitating economic growth and artistic achievements.

Review Questions

• How did the Peace of Callias affect the balance of power among Greek city-states after the Persian Wars?
  • The Peace of Callias significantly altered the balance of power among Greek city-states by solidifying Athens' dominance following its military successes during the Persian Wars. By ensuring that Persia would no longer interfere in Greek affairs, Athens was able to focus on consolidating its power through the Delian League, which bolstered its influence over other city-states. This shift enabled Athens to emerge as a cultural and political leader in Greece, paving the way for its Golden Age.
• Discuss how the terms of the Peace of Callias reflected broader geopolitical changes in the ancient world following the Persian Wars.
  • The terms of the Peace of Callias illustrated a significant shift in geopolitical dynamics following the Persian Wars, where previously dominant Persian power was curtailed by a united Greek front. The treaty's emphasis on Greek autonomy and Persia's recognition of this independence signified a change in control over Asia Minor, from Persian authority to Greek influence. This agreement not only marked an end to direct conflict but also initiated an era where Greece could expand its political structures and cultural developments free from Persian intervention.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of the Peace of Callias on both Greece and Persia's relationships and subsequent historical developments.
  • The long-term implications of the Peace of Callias shaped both Greece's trajectory towards its Golden Age and Persia's declining influence in Western affairs. By establishing clear boundaries for interaction, it allowed Greek city-states to thrive independently while diminishing Persia's ability to exert control over them. This treaty set a precedent for future interactions between Greece and Persia, leading to a period characterized by relative peace for Greece but foreshadowing eventual conflicts such as those seen during Alexander's conquests. The balance established by this treaty was crucial for shaping subsequent political alliances and military engagements in classical antiquity.

Related terms

Delian League:

An alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens formed in 478 BCE to continue the fight against Persia and secure mutual defense.

Battle of Salamis:

A naval battle fought in 480 BCE during the Persian Wars, where the Greek fleet decisively defeated the larger Persian fleet, leading to a turning point in the conflict.

Cimon: An Athenian general and statesman who played a significant role in the aftermath of the Persian Wars, promoting Athenian power and involvement in both military and diplomatic matters.