Warfare > Corinthian War

Corinthian War

Background

The Corinthian War was a conflict that took place from 395 to 387 BCE, involving several Greek city-states, including Athens, Sparta, Corinth, Thebes, and Persia. The Corinthian War emerged from the power struggles among the Greek city-states following the end of the Peloponnesian War in 404 BCE. Sparta emerged as the dominant power in Greece after its victory in the Peloponnesian War, but its aggressive policies and attempts to impose its hegemony over the other Greek city-states led to resentment and opposition. Corinth, Thebes, and Athens, among others, sought to challenge Spartan dominance and form alliances to counterbalance Spartan power.

Key Players:

Sparta: As the leading military power in Greece, Sparta aimed to maintain its hegemony and suppress any challenges to its authority.

Athens: Despite its defeat in the Peloponnesian War, Athens remained a major maritime power and sought to regain its influence in the Aegean.

Corinth and Thebes: These city-states were among the primary opponents of Sparta and sought to undermine Spartan hegemony in Greece.

Persia: The Persian Empire, under King Artaxerxes II, intervened in Greek affairs by offering support to various Greek city-states in exchange for weakening Sparta's power.

Course of the War:

The Corinthian War began in 395 BCE when Athens, Corinth, Argos, and Thebes formed an alliance against Sparta, known as the Corinthian League. The Corinthian League sought to challenge Spartan dominance on both land and sea, with Athens providing naval support and Corinth and Thebes leading the land forces. The early stages of the war saw several conflicts and shifting alliances, with both sides vying for control over key strategic territories in Greece. Sparta initially faced setbacks, including the loss of control over some of its allies and the defeat of its navy by the Corinthian fleet. However, Spartan forces, led by King Agesilaus II, achieved significant victories on land, particularly in Asia Minor, where they defeated Persian-backed forces. The war dragged on for several years, with neither side able to achieve a decisive victory. Peace negotiations began in 392 BCE, facilitated by Persian intervention.

Aftermath:

The Corinthian War officially ended in 387 BCE with the signing of the King's Peace, also known as the Peace of Antalcidas, named after the Spartan envoy who negotiated the treaty. The King's Peace effectively ended the Corinthian War and established a framework for peace in Greece. It recognized Spartan hegemony over the Greek city-states and imposed harsh terms on Athens and its allies. Athens was forced to surrender its imperial possessions, including the city of Samos, and dismantle its Long Walls and fortifications, significantly weakening its power. The Peace of Antalcidas also reaffirmed Persian control over the Greek city-states of Asia Minor, further consolidating Persian influence in the region.

Legacy:

The Corinthian War marked a significant chapter in Greek history, highlighting the complex power dynamics and rivalries among the Greek city-states. The war weakened Athens' position as a dominant naval power and led to the further decline of its influence in the Aegean. Sparta emerged as the primary beneficiary of the Corinthian War, solidifying its hegemony over Greece in the short term, although its power would eventually decline due to internal conflicts and external pressures. In summary, the Corinthian War was a complex conflict that reshaped the political landscape of ancient Greece, resulting in the consolidation of Spartan hegemony and the weakening of Athens' power.