Page 23 - STOLEN LEGACY By George G. M. James
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The second Peloponnesian war (431–421 B.C.) like that of the first arose through a general spirit
of rebellion among the Greek city states against Athenian imperialism, Sparta being the chief
enemy.
The net results were as follows:
(a) In 435 B.C. war between Corcyra and Corinth, Corcyra being aided by Athens.
(b) In 432 B.C.
(1) Athens blockaded Potidaea, because she refused to dismantle her Southern walls, and dismiss
her Corinthian Magistrates.
(2) Megara was excluded from Greek Markets, in order to reduce her to subjection.
(3) The Peloponnesian League planned war against Athens and Boeotia. Phocis and Locris were
to fight against Athens, Corcyra and a few Northern states.
(c) In 431 B.C.
(1) Thebes attacked Plataea, and while a Peloponnesian army occupied Attica, the Athenian fleet
raided Peloponnesus.
(2) Pericles being unable to defend Attica adequately transferred the civil population every
Spring to the area between the walls of Athens and the Peiraeus. In the meantime the Athenian
fleet operated against Potidaea, the Peloponnesian coast and Corinthian commerce.
(d) In 428 B.C.
(1) Mitylene and all the cities of Lesbos revolted.
(2) A brutal massacre of Oligarchs took place at Corcyra.
(e) In 425 B.C.
(1) A Laconian force at Pylos was captured and a fort was established through Demosthenes and
Cleon.
(2) Cythera and other stations were fortified against the Peloponnesians.
(3) Amphipolis was captured by Brasidas a Spartan, who had instigated rebellion among the
Athenian allies, and after Brasdias and Cleon had been killed in battle (422 B.C.), Athens
authorized Nicias to sue for peace. (Sandford's Mediterranean World C. 13, P. 220–221).
It is obvious from a study of the causes and effects of the Peloponnesian wars that:
(a) The Greek states were envious of each other and
(b) The desire for power and expansion led to constant aggression and warfare among
themselves.
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Stolen Legacy: Greek Philosophy is Stolen Egyptian Philosophy by George G. M. James
The Journal of Pan African Studies 2009 eBook