relationship Athens + Sparta
"Asses the relationship between Athens and Sparta between 500BC - 470BC"The relationship between Athens and Sparta during the period in question was initially quite cordial. However, as Athens began to emerge as an economic and military power, rivalry between the two city-states developed and the relationship became increasingly, typified by friction due to contrasting political and cultural perspectives. This will be seen in the following analysis of the issues arising out of the Ionian Revolt, the contrasting foreign policy objectives of Athens and Sparta through the period of the Persian wars and finally, the emergence of Athens as a rival co-leader of Greece under the leadership of Themistocles and the establishment of the Delian League.Up to 500BC the relationship between Sparta and Athens had been quite cordial. There were no obvious signs of contention between the two city-states and Sparta especially was contented, to maintain the policy of isolationism within the Peloponnese. Due to Sparta's overprotective and inward looking attitude, trade and cultural exchange was limited with Athens. Friction first begins to occur between the two as a consequence of Athens involvement in the Ionian Revolt. By 500BC the Ionian
"It can be argued that the Ionian revolt and Persian wars, was a direct catalyst for the growth of Athenian reputation as a co-leader of Greece. Due to Sparta's xenophobia, the Spartans were only interested in defending the Isthmus and so only provided 300 frontline spartiate hoplites led by king Leonidas, accompanied by a large helot force at Themopylae. showed little determination in the face of danger and was anxious to hoist sail for the Isthmus. When the Persians invaded Marathon in 490BC, Sparta did not believe that the Persians would threaten them and only wanted control of Athens. if the Athenians desert us and make an alliance with Persia, then, however strongly the Isthmus is fortified, the postern gates are wide open for Persian invasion . The Spartan and Athenian relationship came to a climax, when Themistocles formed the Delian League as a result of his anti-Spartan policy! The Delian league was a counter weight for the Spartans Peloponnesian League. The fact that Athens developed into an equal rival in economic and military power really began to scare Sparta. The northern Greek states led by Athens soundly rejected the proposal as it clearly threatened their security. His main achievements being: the constructing of the Piraeus, and the development of the Triremes. Sparta and her Peloponnesian allies again wanted to draw up a defensive line across the Isthmus of Corinth.
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