Athenian Vs Peloponnesian War

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"It is a common mistake in going war to begin at the wrong end, to act first, and wait for disasters to discuss the matter."1 Athens was a powerful and structurally sound city. This being said, every city, regardless of how mighty it is, has its weakness. Athens had been long-term enemies with Sparta, and tension had been straining their treaty. Although the Athenians were conscientiously prepared for war, they were met with obstacles on all sides. Athens fell prey to various attacks in addition valiant Spartans bombardment from the outside; disease and political turmoil were attacking Athens from within.

During the Peloponnesian war, the barbarian-like Spartans were masters of all types of war and stopped at nothing for victory. Thucydides
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They also destroyed valuable Athenian farms and fruit trees for supplies. "It was quite at the end of this period that the war with Aegina and the prospect of the barbarian invasion enabled Themistocles to persuade the Athenians to build a fleet with which they fought at Salamis."4 The Athenians preferred naval battles over land battles since their navy war far more superior. The Athenians designed their ships with a light wooden shell so they could move fast in the water. Because the wood was so light the ships when filled with water would float instead of sink. They also were equipped with a bronze ram on the front for puncturing holes in enemy ships. The Athenians navel army, though very powerful still was vanquished by the Spartans strategy by a surprise attack. The Athenian navy was met by the opposing Spartan feet lead by General Lysander out on the open sea. For five uneventful days they stalked each other. On the fifth day, the Athenian fleet returned to shore. Just as the Athenians vacated ships, the Spartans sprung to action and wiped out their fleet. With their fortress surrounded, victory slipped from their grasp when the Athenian navy was ambushed and