36 - Lysander 1: Death of Democracy

6 snips

Jun 7, 2022

Spartan commander Lysander rises from obscurity with Persian gold, political savvy, and a talent for patience. As Athens tears itself apart through rivalries and disastrous decisions, he builds a fleet for a decisive showdown at Aegospotami. The clash brings the city’s naval supremacy crashing down and puts the fate of Athenian democracy in peril.

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ANECDOTE

Lysander and Cyrus

Lysander, a Spartan navarch, needed to secure Persian funding to build a fleet to challenge Athens.
He charmed Prince Cyrus, securing a wage increase for sailors and substantial funds.

INSIGHT

Athenian Power

The Peloponnesian War, or Athenian War to Spartans, centered on Athenian power.
Athens, leading a league against Persia, transformed allies into tribute-paying subjects.

ANECDOTE

Lysander's Negotiation

Lysander secured funding from Prince Cyrus by highlighting Tisophernes' lack of support for the Spartan fleet.
Cyrus, pleased with the accusations against Tisophernes, increased Spartan sailors' wages.

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