The Peloponnesian War was fought primarily between the city-states of Athens and Sparta, along with their respective allies. Athens led the Delian League, a naval power alliance, while Sparta headed the Peloponnesian League, strong in land forces. These two coalitions included nearly all Greek city-states at the time. The war lasted from 431 to 404 BCE and involved major figures such as Pericles of Athens, Alcibiades (who shifted allegiance), and Lysander of Sparta. The conflict was marked by Athens' naval dominance and Sparta's powerful army and ended in Spartan victory with support from Persia.
Key Participants:
- Athens and its allies (Delian League)
- Sparta and its allies (Peloponnesian League)
- Other Greek city-states including Plataea, Thebes, and Corinth took part predominantly aligned with one of these major alliances.
Notable Figures:
- Pericles (Athens) - prominent leader and general early in the war
- Alcibiades (Athens/Sparta) - military strategist who changed sides
- Lysander (Sparta) - Spartan admiral who secured the final victory
The war significantly impacted ancient Greece, ending Athens' golden age and paving the way for Spartan dominance and later Macedonian ascendancy.
