The Rise of Athens and the Clash with Sparta: Power Struggles in Ancient Greece

The video explores the rise of Athens and the formation of the Delian League, leading to tensions with Sparta. The First Peloponnesian War ensues, resulting in the Thirty Years' Peace, which soon collapses. Renewed conflict, known as the Archidamian War, is marked by a devastating plague in Athens. Despite setbacks, Athens continues its military efforts until the Sicilian Expedition, where Sparta gains the upper hand. With Persian support, Sparta ultimately defeats Athens, ending the Delian League and shifting power dynamics in Greece.

What was the primary reason for the formation of the Delian League?

• To establish a cultural exchange program

• To provide military cooperation and protection against external threats

• To create a unified Greek government

• To promote trade among Greek city-states

Which city-state was initially allied with Sparta but later formed an alliance with Athens?

• Potidaea

• Megara

• Corinth

• Samos

What event marked the beginning of the Archidamian War?

• The outbreak of the plague in Athens

• The imposition of a trade embargo on Megara by Athens

• The Battle of Mantinea

• The signing of the Thirty Years' Peace

How did the plague affect the Athenian forces during the Archidamian War?

• It resulted in a peace treaty with Sparta

• It caused them to switch to a land-based strategy

• It led to a significant reduction in their military strength

• It strengthened their resolve to fight

What was the outcome of the Peace of Nicias?

• A permanent end to hostilities between Athens and Sparta

• A temporary six-year period of relative stability

• The dissolution of the Delian League

• The unification of Greek city-states under Spartan rule

Who was the Athenian general involved in the Sicilian Expedition?

• Alcibiades

• Pericles

• Themistocles

• Cleon

What was the strategic significance of the Sicilian Expedition for Athens?

• To negotiate peace with Corinth

• To gain control over Sicily and expand influence in Italy

• To form an alliance with Sparta

• To establish a trade route with Persia

Which external power provided support to Sparta, aiding in their victory over Athens?

• Egypt

• Carthage

• Rome

• Persia

What was the long-term impact of the Peloponnesian War on Greece?

• It marked the end of the Golden Age of Greece

• It resulted in the rise of Athens as the dominant power

• It led to the unification of Greek city-states

• It established a lasting peace in the region

Who eventually took control of Sparta's imperial possessions after the war?

• The Egyptian Pharaohs

• Philip II of Macedon

• Alexander the Great

• The Roman Empire