The Peloponnesian War

The Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE) was a significant conflict in ancient Greece between the city-states of Athens and Sparta, along with their respective allies. It arose from power struggles and differing ways of life: Athens was a naval power with a democratic government, while Sparta was a militaristic land power with an oligarchic system. The war was marked by significant battles, shifting alliances, and devastating plagues. Ultimately, Sparta emerged victorious, leading to the decline of Athenian dominance and political upheaval in Greece, which set the stage for future conflicts and the rise of Macedonian power.