The Peloponnesian War

Essay # 57925

History > Greek and Roman

A discussion on whether it was the Athenians or the Spartans that caused the Peloponnesian War (431 - 404).

1,231 words () | 7 sources | APA | 2005 New Zealand

Paper Summary:

This paper provides an insightful review and analysis of the major events leading up to the Peloponnesian War. It also compares the Spartan and Athenian ways of life and determines if war was inevitable.

From the Paper:

"Epidamnus was the catalyst for the war. Epidamnus sought aid from Corinth in a rebellion against Corcyra. A civil war broke out between the democrats and the oligarchs in Epidamnus. Epidamnian democrats appealed to Corcyra for aid and were refused. The oligarchy which ruled Corcyra was sympathetic to Sparta but there was a considerable democratic element which favored joining the Athenian empire. Delphi oracle advised Epidamnus to seek Corinthian aid. Corinth sent aid because Corcyra represented a threat to Corinthian commercial interests. Corcyra demanded that Corinthian's cease aid to Epidamnus, Corinth refused. Corcyra attacked Epidamnus, Corinth prepared to attack Corcyra. "