Homework Aim #5 handout due Wednesday (G-5 will NOT be assigned).

Aim #4: How did the “golden age” of Athens come to an end? Do Now: Which city-state would you have preferred to live in: Athens or Sparta (provide at least two specific reasons to support your answer)? If these two city-states fought a war against each other, who do you think would win, and why?

I. The Peloponnesian Wars (431 B.C.- 405 B.C.) The Delian League made Athens incredibly rich and powerful for over fifty years. Sparta was threatened by Athens power, and in 431 B.C., war breaks out between the two city-states! The Spartan army is stationed right outside the walls of Athens. They blockade the city, preventing any food or supplies from getting in.

II. The Melian Dialogue: Because of the blockade, Athens seeks to take over many small islands to gain more food, supplies and resources. One of those islands was Melos Athens: Wants to conquer Melos and add it to their empire. Melos: Wants to remain neutral

Melian Dialogue Questions Why does Athens argue that Melos should give up? Why do the Melians believe they should fight back? If you were the leader of the Melos, what would you do here (give up or fight back)? Why? Think about the values and ideals that Pericles talked about in the Funeral Oration. Did the Athenians display these values in their dealings with the Melians? Was Athens justified in the way it treated Melos? Can Athens be a democracy and an empire at the same time?

III. Outcome of the Peloponnesian War In 405 B.C., the Athenian navy is destroyed at Aegospotami. Sparta wins the war and dismantles Athens’ empire.