The Peloponnesian War was a long and brutal conflict between Athens and Sparta that lasted from 431 BCE to 404 BCE. Despite being initially successful, Athens was eventually defeated by Sparta and forced to surrender, resulting in the rise of the Spartan Empire.
However, the legacy of Athens lived on, with its cultural and intellectual achievements continuing to influence the world for centuries to come. The Peloponnesian War and the rise of the Athenian Empire marked a turning point in Greek history, shaping the course of Western civilization.
Works Cited:
Kagan, Donald. The Peloponnesian War. Viking Press, 2003.
Thucydides. The History of the Peloponnesian War. Penguin Classics, 1972.
