Lesson 3: Pericles and the Athenian Empire
Rivalry with Sparta
Right from the beginning, the Spartans had always regarded the Delian League with a certain amount of suspicion.
Sparta was at the centre of her own network of alliances, known as the Peloponnesian League, and she had always considered herself to be the "paramount power" among the Greek city-states.
The rise of Athenian power in the years after the Persian Wars was therefore a direct threat to Sparta's position.
Initially, Sparta's ability to respond to the Athenian challenge was hampered by major domestic problems.
First, in 464 BC, there was an earthquake which had devastating consequences on Sparta.
Then, the helots, who were the subject peoples of Sparta, rose in revolt, causing even more disruption to the Spartan state.
In 460 BC, the Athenians formed an alliance with the city-state of Argos. As Argos was one of Sparta's traditional enemies, this act was bound to lead to open conflict.
Open warfare did indeed break out, culminating in the Battle of Tanagra in 457 BC. Although the Spartans did win a military victory in this battle, they were unable to follow through on their initial success.
Athens managed to recuperate and continued with the struggle.
Sporadic fighting continued throughout the 450s until in 446 BC, the two powers came to an understanding. A "thirty year peace" was signed, each power recognising the status quo and agreeing not to interfere in the other's interests.
