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Thus, the Spartans were now free, along with the disgruntled Persians, who had a significant ax to grind with Athens, to seize the opportunity and attack Athens (thereby ending the 50 years truce). After a few years of resistance, Athens fell completely, and was immediately subjected to the oligarchical government under Sparta, known as "the Thirty."
Although it certainly seems ironic that the very democratic system that the Athenians were so proud of would precipitate its eventual downfall, one might argue that it was not the democratic system, itself, that was to blame, but the tremendous hubris of the Athenians -- both as a result of their tremendous victory over the Persians, as well as their own belief in their natural idealistic superiority.
Under the control of the Thirty, Ancient Greek as a bastion of "freedom"...
Although it certainly left a mark upon the world -- particularly in its philosophical and political example -- an example that has led to notable democratic systems today, one can see that another lesson can also be learned. The folly of hubris is rightly displayed in Greek literature, as well as history. Perhaps the danger of impulsive and pride driven war will be one of the final lessons that Ancient Greece has to bestow. One can only wait and see.
Works Cited
Wikipedia. Staff. "Peloponnesian War. Web site. Retrieved on July 5, 2005 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peloponnesian_War
D. Sherman, Western Civilization, 6th ed.
Spielvogel, Jackson J. "Western Civilization" 6th Ed. Wadsworth, New York. 2001.
Works Cited
Wikipedia. Staff. "Peloponnesian War. Web site. Retrieved on July 5, 2005 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peloponnesian_War
D. Sherman, Western Civilization, 6th ed.
Spielvogel, Jackson J. "Western Civilization" 6th Ed. Wadsworth, New York. 2001.
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