The Greek Classic Period, which developed between the V and IV centuries a. a., is visibly marked by a series of invasions and conflicts that transformed to Hellas in a heated war scenario. However, even with such clashes, many understand this to be the apogee of Greek civilization itself. The political transformation in Athens and the spread of its political-administrative model to other Greek city-states marked the height of Greek antiquity.
The first major clash of that time was the Medical Wars (490 - 479 a. C.), conflict where the Persians tried to invade Greece from their dominion over the colonies of Asia Minor. Despite the indisputable military superiority of the Persians, the Greeks managed to bring down the enemy through various war tactics in which they used knowledge of the rugged Balkan territory to their favor. Despite being politically independent, this conflict motivated the alliance of several Greek polis.
The most important military alliance developed during this period was the League of Delos, which guaranteed the victory of the Greeks and consolidated the leadership role played by the Athenians. After the conflicts against the Persians, the league remained a fundamental part of the military protection of the city-states. However, Athenian political leaders took advantage of the resources made available by the League of Delos to oppress and impose their political and economic interests on other city-states.
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It was at this time that the Pericles government stood out, responsible for improving Athenian democracy and carrying out various public works that beautified Athens as a whole. The imperialist action of the Athenians on the other Greek polis soon motivated the articulation of an offensive. Led by Sparta, several cities in Ancient Greece founded the Peloponnese League. This association aimed to combat the hegemony of Athens and the League of Delos.
Between 431 and 417 a. a., the various Greek city-states were involved in a painful conflict that became known like the War of the Peloponnese. After the victory in the Battle of Egos Potamos, the Spartans employed an imperialist policy of action on the other city-states of Greece. With this, new conflicts developed and exhausted the military power of the Greeks, who became easy prey for the invasions promoted by King Felipe II of Macedonia.
By Rainer Sousa
Graduated in History
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SOUSA, Rainer Gonçalves. "Classic Period Greece"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/historiag/grecia-periodo-classico.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
