The Complete Peloponnesian War Athens vs Sparta

⚔️ The Peloponnesian War: Athens vs Sparta and the Fall of Ancient Greece

Discover the complete history of the Peloponnesian War, the devastating 27-year conflict between democratic Athens and militarized Sparta that ended the Golden Age of Ancient Greece.

This immersive Peloponnesian War documentary explores the rise of the Athenian Empire, the Delian League, Spartan power, Pericles, Thucydides, Alcibiades, the Sicilian Expedition, the Battle of Aegospotami and the final surrender of Athens.

🏛️ Learn how Athens transformed its alliance against Persia into a maritime empire supported by tribute, naval power and the Long Walls connecting Athens to Piraeus.

Follow the growing conflict between the Athenian and Peloponnesian Leagues, including the Megarian Decree, the revolt of Potidaea, Corinth’s anger and Sparta’s decision to declare war.

⚔️ Explore the Archidamian War, Sparta’s invasions of Attica, Pericles’ defensive strategy, the Plague of Athens and the death of the leader who had shaped Athenian democracy.

The documentary examines the naval genius of Phormio, the siege of Plataea, the Mytilenean Debate, the capture of Spartan soldiers at Sphacteria and the campaigns of Brasidas.

Discover the fragile Peace of Nicias, the Battle of Mantinea and the destruction of Melos—one of the darkest examples of Athenian imperial power.

🚢 Follow the catastrophic Sicilian Expedition, when Athens sent one of the largest forces in Greek history to conquer Syracuse. Political rivalry, poor leadership, religious panic and delayed retreat transformed the campaign into Athens’ greatest military disaster.

Learn how Alcibiades betrayed Athens, advised Sparta and later returned to lead Athenian naval victories at Cynossema and Cyzicus.

The final phase follows Lysander, Persian financial support for Sparta, the Battle of Arginusae, the execution of victorious Athenian generals and the decisive Spartan victory at Aegospotami.

With its fleet destroyed and food supplies cut off, Athens surrendered in 404 BCE. Its Long Walls were demolished, its empire collapsed and Sparta became the dominant power in Greece.

Yet Sparta’s victory did not create lasting peace. The war weakened the entire Greek world and helped prepare the way for the rise of Macedon under Philip II and Alexander the Great.

This is the complete story of Athens, Sparta, Thucydides and the war that changed Ancient Greece forever.