Pentekontetìa 1: Atene da Temistocle ad Efialte (478-460 a. C.)

Summary

The script explores the period of the 'pentecontaetia,' the 50 years between the Persian Wars and the Peloponnesian War, focusing on Athens and Sparta's evolving relationship. It discusses the rise of Athens, the reconstruction of its walls, and the formation of the Delian League to counter Persian threats. The political shifts in Athens, from Themistocles’ imperial vision to Cimon’s moderate policies, are highlighted, as well as the shift in power towards Pericles. Through these events, the script illustrates the growing tension and imperialism within Athens, setting the stage for the eventual conflict with Sparta in the Peloponnesian War.

Takeaways

• 😀 The term 'pentecontaetia' refers to the 50-year period between the end of the Persian Wars (479 BC) and the start of the Peloponnesian War (431 BC).
• 😀 The initial alliance between Athens and Sparta against the Persian threat soon gave way to growing hostility, particularly after the Battle of Plataea in 479 BC.
• 😀 The reconstruction of Athens' walls, especially the Piraeus, was opposed by Sparta as it would enhance Athens' military power.
• 😀 In 478 BC, following the Battle of Mycale, Athens and Sparta briefly put aside their differences to continue fighting against the Persians and reclaim territories.
• 😀 Sparta eventually withdrew from the Persian conflict, focusing instead on maintaining control over the Peloponnese, while Athens gained increasing influence in the Aegean.
• 😀 After Pausanias was suspected of treason and exiled, Athens spearheaded the formation of the Delian League in 477 BC to counter the Persian threat.
• 😀 Initially, the Delian League was meant to be a collective defense against Persia, with equal voting power and contributions from all member cities.
• 😀 However, Athens gradually took control of the League, using it as a means to exert its power and assert dominance over the other member states.
• 😀 The political landscape in Athens shifted, with figures like Themistocles advocating for military action against Sparta, while the aristocratic faction, led by Aristides, favored diplomacy with Sparta and internal consolidation.
• 😀 After Themistocles' ostracism in 471 BC, Cimon emerged as a prominent leader, and he pushed for a policy of maintaining a strong relationship with Sparta, until his political downfall following the failed attempt to aid Sparta during the Third Messenian War (464-455 BC).

Q & A

What is the Greek term 'pentecontaetia' and what period does it refer to?

The term 'pentecontaetia' refers to a period of about fifty years, specifically the years between the end of the Persian Wars in 479 BC and the beginning of the Peloponnesian War in 431 BC.

What major conflict occurred during the 'pentecontaetia' period?

The major conflict during this period was the Peloponnesian War, which saw Athens and Sparta as opposing forces. Previously, they had been allies against the common Persian enemy.

How did the hostility between Athens and Sparta develop?

Hostility between Athens and Sparta began after the Persian Wars, particularly after the Battle of Plataea in 479 BC. The hostility was fueled by differences in political and military strategies, such as the reconstruction of Athens' walls which Sparta opposed.

Why did Sparta oppose the reconstruction of the Athenian walls after the Persian Wars?

Sparta opposed the reconstruction because it would make Athens more protected and powerful, which threatened Sparta's dominance, especially given their rivalry.

What was the purpose of the Delian League, established in 477 BC?

The Delian League was established to unite Greek city-states, particularly Ionian cities, to defend against the potential return of Persian aggression and to regulate relationships in the Aegean, with Athens playing a leading role.

What rights and obligations did member cities of the Delian League have?

Each city-state in the Delian League had an equal vote and contributed either ships or money (called 'foros') to fund the league's activities. Athens was responsible for collecting and managing the funds.

How did Athens' role in the Delian League evolve over time?

Athens gradually began to dominate the Delian League, using it as a tool for its own imperial interests. Over time, Athens imposed its will on other member states and began to demand more tribute, solidifying its control.

What led to the ostracism of Themistocles and the rise of Cimon?

Themistocles was ostracized due to his political ideas, particularly his belief in using the power of the Delian League against Sparta. Cimon, who opposed Themistocles and favored maintaining good relations with Sparta, gained prominence and eventually led Athens.

What event marked the transformation of the Delian League into an instrument of Athenian imperialism?

The transformation began with the submission of the island of Naxos in 471 BC, which had tried to leave the League. Athens responded with military force, and this marked the start of Athens using the League to assert control over other cities.

Why did Cimon's political career suffer after his proposal to assist Sparta in 462 BC?

Cimon's proposal to assist Sparta during its conflict with the helots was seen as a failure. Sparta suspected Athens might be working against them, leading to the dismissal of Cimon's offer and eventually his ostracism.