What were the main causes and consequences of the Peloponnesian War?

The Peloponnesian War was primarily caused by a power struggle between Athens and Sparta, two prominent city-states in ancient Greece. Athens, with its strong naval power and Delian League allies, became increasingly dominant, which threatened the hegemony of Sparta and the Peloponnesian League. This power dynamic led to escalating tensions and conflicts that eventually erupted into a full-scale war.

Causes:

The main causes of the Peloponnesian War include the power struggle between Athens and Sparta, disagreements over control and influence in Greece, as well as the fear of one city-state becoming too powerful and dominating the region. The aggressive foreign policies of Athens, such as the expedition to Sicily, also contributed to the outbreak of the war.

Consequences:

The Peloponnesian War had devastating consequences for the Greek world. It resulted in the loss of a significant number of lives on both sides, economic ruin for many city-states, and a shift in power dynamics. Athens, once a dominant force, was weakened by the war, paving the way for the rise of Macedon and the eventual conquest of Greece by Philip II and his son Alexander the Great.