History of the Peloponnesian War · Chapter
IV explained
This chapter details the growth of Athenian power and the escalating tensions with Sparta and other Greek states following the Persian Wars.
What happens
This chapter details the growth of Athenian power and the escalating tensions with Sparta and other Greek states following the Persian Wars. It covers the fortification of Athens and Piraeus under Themistocles, the shift from allied leadership to Athenian imperial control, the revolt and siege of Thasos, the earthquake and Helot revolt in Sparta, the first open quarrel between Athens and Sparta over the Ithome campaign, the alliance of Athens with Argos, the Megarian defection to Athens, the Egyptian campaign, and various naval and land battles including those at Aegina and the Megarid.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Empire
Athens consolidates control over allies through tribute and military force, building walls and a navy to secure imperial dominance.
Alliance and Betrayal
The first open quarrel between Athens and Sparta arises from mutual suspicion, leading Athens to ally with Argos and break the anti-Persian alliance.
Leadership and Strategy
Themistocles' foresight in fortifying Piraeus and advocating naval power contrasts with Spartan strategic missteps at Ithome.
War and Its Consequences
The brutal siege of Thasos, the stoning of Corinthian troops in a trench, and the Helot revolt illustrate the human cost of conflict.
Characters to notice
- Themistocles
Persuaded Athens to fortify the city and Piraeus, laying the foundations for naval empire.
- Cimon
Led Athenian forces to victory at the Eurymedon River and later commanded the expedition to help Sparta at Ithome.
- Pausanias
Sent as Spartan commander-in-chief; his violent behavior alienated the allies and prompted them to turn to Athens.
- Nicomedes
Commanded the Lacedaemonian force that aided Doris against the Phocians.
- Myronides
Led the Athenian force of older and younger men in the Megarid campaign against Corinth.
- Inaros
Libyan king who revolted against Persia and invited Athenian assistance in Egypt.
Key passages
“the Athenians were very severe and exacting, and made themselves offensive by applying the screw of necessity to men who were not used to and in fact not disposed for any continuous labour.”
The Athenians were harsh and demanding, forcing allies who were unaccustomed to steady work into submission.
Describes the oppressive nature of Athenian imperial rule over their allies.
“Thus while Athens was increasing her navy with the funds which they contributed, a revolt always found them without resources or experience for war.”
As Athens used allied payments to build its fleet, the allies became too weak and inexperienced to rebel successfully.
Explains the strategic trap of the Delian League's tribute system.
“The first open quarrel between the Lacedaemonians and Athenians arose out of this expedition.”
This campaign at Ithome caused the first public rift between Sparta and Athens.
Marks a turning point in Spartan-Athenian relations.
“For he first ventured to tell them to stick to the sea and forthwith began to lay the foundations of the empire.”
Themistocles was the first to urge Athens to focus on naval power, thereby starting the city's imperial expansion.
Highlights Themistocles' strategic vision for Athenian dominance.
