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The Ancients

The Fall of Athens

Mar 23, 2025
Join Professor Alastair Blanshard, an expert in ancient Greek history from the University of Queensland, as he unravels the dramatic fall of Athens in 404 BC. Discover how the long struggle with Sparta, highlighted by key figures like Lysander and Alcibiades, transformed the city. Explore themes of ambitious military strategy, the complex shifts in alliances with Persia, and the erosion of confidence in Athenian democracy that led to their downfall. A riveting journey through one of history's pivotal moments awaits!
57:17

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Peloponnesian War fundamentally shifted the political landscape of Greece, ending Athenian dominance while solidifying Spartan power with Persian support.
  • The disastrous Sicilian Expedition highlighted Athens's overreach and vulnerabilities, leading to significant troop losses and internal tensions regarding democratic effectiveness.

Deep dives

The Peloponnesian War's Significance

The Peloponnesian War, which lasted from 431 BC to 404 BC, marked a significant conflict between Athens and Sparta, as they represented the two dominant powers of ancient Greece. This war caused major upheaval across various city-states and resulted in Athens's eventual defeat, which fundamentally altered the political landscape of Greece. The war was characterized by a struggle for hegemony, with Athens leveraging its naval strength and creating a powerful empire through the Delian League, while Sparta gradually sought to challenge Athenian dominance. The eventual victory for Sparta, aided by Persian support, led to the significant decline of Athenian power and territorial influence.

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