The Five Year Truce With the Athenians

Most Athenian citizens were naturally attracted by a policy of expansion which made their city great and powerful without extracting heavy sacrifices from themselves. The firmness of Athens to its allies in the years immediately following peace with Persia ultimately helped them survive the crisis that was about to follow. Meanwhile back at Sparta, the five year truce was also most welcome. Spartan hawks probably saw this period as a valuable breathing space before another inevitable fight with the Athenians.