The Spartans and Athens

Sparta seemed to have come out ahead in popular opinion. Though was they who had declared war the greek world was inclined to see imperialist Athens as the aggressor and some Athenians even agreed. Sparta did not keep as tight of a hold on the members of the Peloponnesian league as did Athens on those of its empire In a culture that prized autonomy as much as the greek stood Consequently, it was possible for Sparta to put itself forward in opposition to Athens as the champion of freedom When war broke out Popular opinion shaped up in favor of the Spartans by far Especially since they had proclaimed that they were going to liberate Greece.