Athenian Expedition to Sicily
The Athenian Expedition to Sicily initiated with great enthusiasm but soon turned to despair following significant losses. Citizens blamed their leaders and oracles for promoting the expedition, resulting in a sense of disillusionment. Among the losses were cavalry, hoplites, and many of the city’s youth, leading to widespread despair over military resources. The Athenian fleet suffered from both a lack of ships and insufficient financial resources, which hampered their ability to defend against potential attacks from Sicily and Hellas. In response, a decision was made to build a new navy, secure allies, particularly in Euboea, and advise on austerity, guided by a council of elders.
Greek Response to Athenian Defeats
The defeat of Athens in Sicily stirred all of Hellas, prompting neutral states to feel compelled to join the war against Athens as they perceived an imminent victory. This ignited increased confidence among Lacedaemonian allies to fight against Athenian supremacy. Additionally, there were reports indicating a widespread readiness among Athenian subject states to revolt, fueled by long-standing grievances.
Preparations for War
Agis, the king of Lacedaemon, coordinated troop movements and contributions from allies aimed at enhancing their naval capabilities. The Lacedaemonians planned to construct a substantial fleet across various cities to strengthen their naval presence. Meanwhile, the Athenians fortified their positions and prepared for renewed naval construction amidst fears of revolts from their allies.
Revolts and External Alliances
Dissatisfaction grew as Euboeans and Lesbians attempted to switch allegiances, highlighting their discontent with Athenian rule. Alcamenes was appointed to lead efforts to secure Euboea, while various states initiated open revolts against Athenian control due to the defeats and deteriorating economic conditions exacerbated by the ongoing war.
Athenian Fortress Realignment
In response, the Athenians aimed to fortify strategic locations to secure vital supply routes and maintain close surveillance over their allies amid rising dissent within their ranks.
Shifting Town Allegiances
As revolts escalated, a sense of desperation settled in, prompting both sides to assess their capabilities and readiness for an all-out naval conflict. This led to significant battles that shifted power dynamics, increasingly reliant on external assistance from Persian and allied contingents.
Treaty with the Persian King
A strategic alliance was formed with the Persian King, formalizing cooperation and ensuring mutual non-aggression concerning their respective territories. The Lacedaemonians endeavored to present a unified front against Athenian forces, despite existing concerns over their long-term commitment to the alliance.
Internal Tensions and Political Maneuvering
Back in Athens, political maneuvering intensified amid ongoing sieges. This included a push for oligarchic governance led by factional interests, as Peisander and fellow conspirators proposed restructuring the government. Their aim was to restore previously banished leaders to ensure stability within the city.
The Euphoria of Victory and Its Impact
Following the restoration of leadership, relations with Tissaphernes improved, creating further rifts within the Athenian forces. Conflict resolutions began to favor pro-Persian sentiments, undermining the established Athenian ideals of democratic governance, despite recurring public discontent.
War Engagements and the Battle for Influence
A series of naval engagements ensued following Athenian withdrawals, which alternately boosted Peloponnesian morale and incited further revolts in subject states. The responses from both sides highlighted the intricate connection between territory control and naval supremacy, pivotal in dictating the course of subsequent hostilities.
