relationship Athens + Sparta essays

relationship Athens + Sparta essays Asses the relationship between Athens and Sparta between 500BC 470BC The relationship between Athens and Sparta during the period in question was initially quite cordial. However, as Athens began to emerge as an economic and military power, rivalry between the two city-states developed and the relationship became increasingly, typified by friction due to contrasting political and cultural perspectives. This will be seen in the following analysis of the issues arising out of the Ionian Revolt, the contrasting foreign policy objectives of Athens and Sparta through the period of the Persian wars and finally, the emergence of Athens as a rival co-leader of Greece under the leadership of Themistocles and the establishment of the Delian League. Up to 500BC the relationship between Sparta and Athens had been quite cordial. There were no obvious signs of contention between the two city-states and Sparta especially was contented, to maintain the policy of isolationism within the Peloponnese. Due to Spartas overprotective and inward looking attitude, trade and cultural exchange was limited with Athens. Friction first begins to occur between the two as a consequence of Athens involvement in the Ionian Revolt. By 500BC the Ionian Greeks discontent with Persian domination was widespread, which ultimately led to revolt. The Athenians already on bad terms with Persia, agreed to support the revolt. Fine (historian) suggest that Athens joined the revolt for economic reasons Persian control of the Hellespont was interfering with Athenian Black Sea trade. Athens initiation in the revolt angered the Spartans, as the Ionian revolt is the event that embroiled the Greeks and Persian in what is known as the Persian wars. As a consequence, rivalry between the two city-states emerged. The contrasting foreign policy objectives of Athens and Sparta through the period of the Persian wars and the div...