Peloponnesian War

Peloponeski rat bio je jedan od većih sukoba na prostoru Helade između dva najmoćnija polisa u Heladi, Ateni i Sparte. Rat je započeo 431. g. pr. Kr. zbog sve većeg nezadovoljstva Peloponežana koji se nisu mogli nositi sa sve rastućom atenskom dominacijom i hegemonijom nad ostalim Helenima. Atena i Sparta su još prije Peloponeskoga rata formirale saveze tj. okupile grčke saveznike koji su im vojno i financijski pomagali. U prvom dijelu rata (Arhidamov rat) Spartanci su se bolje borili na kopnu, dok su Atenjani bili snažniji na moru, ali do većih katastrofa nije dolazilo. Već u sljedećem dijelu rata (nakon Nikijinog mira) Atenjani se upuštaju u Sicilsku kampanju gdje gube značajniji dio svoje vojske, brodovlja i financija. Ta sicilska katastrofa imala je značajne posljedice na zadnju fazu rata (Dekelejski rat) jer je zaustavljeno širenje atenskog saveza te se rat premjestio na Egejsko područje. U tom dijelu rata Perzija je odigrala krucijalnu ulogu jer je financijski podržala Spartu koja je uspjela izgraditi adekvatnu mornaricu koja je porazila Atenu kod Egospotama i zaustavila dovoz hrane u Atenu. Tim porazom Atena nije imala izbora nego kapitulirati 404. g. pr. Kr.The Peloponnesian War was conflict in Hellas (modern Greece) between two major greek states, Athens and Sparta. The war started in 431 BC because the statesin Peloponnesian League feared the growth of Athenian power. Before Peloponnesian War, two rivals formed alliances which consisted of Greek city-states which were obligated to aid with financial and military help. In first stage of the war (Archidamian War) Spartans made several victories on land because they had the most elite infantry in ancient history. On the other hand, Athenians were dominant in the sea, but this stage of the War was secured from big catastrophes. In second part of the War Athenians lost most of its army and ships in Sicilian expedition which was the main reason why Atheans lost this war. In the last part of the War, Spartans made coalition with Persians which gave them financial nad military support in Aegean Sea. Persian financial aid were main reason why Spartans built new navy which defeated Athenians in the battle of Aegospotami in 405 BC. This was decisive Spartan victory which led to Athenian surrender in 404 BC