Peloponnesian War Causes

Causes and major events of Peloponnesian War
Let’s remember the earlier events. In the years when there was Persian war, conflict between Athens and Sparta seemed not so strong, Themistocles, whom the ancient historians considered as a talented politician, and person who could foresee events begins to build walls around the city. During the struggle between Greeks and Persians (457 - 446 BC.) two most powerful states in Greece had a desire to dominate and as the result they had military clashes. Peloponnesian War was the result of increasing controversy.
The roots of the Peloponnesian War can be traced back to many specific instances but on the most part three main elements caused its rise; Sparta's anger at Athenian aid to Spartan enemies,
Two cities were not even one hundred and fifty miles apart, but were distinctly opposite. While they were related by origin, worshiped the same God, and spoke the same language they were radically different in their ways of living and thinking
Seeing the power in navy, Pericles ( a prominent and influential statesman, orator, and general of Athens during the city's Golden Age—specifically, the time between the Persian and Peloponnesian wars) was preparing a policy to armed conflict. By the way the most successful operations in Peloponnesian War are associated with actions of navy. Of course, in addition to political reasons there was economically – Corinth’s trade contest. ( Corinth city-state, on the Isthmus of Corinth, the narrow stretch of land that joins the Peloponnesus to the mainland of Greece)
Before the war Athenian fleet numbered 300 vessels, Peloponnesians had just half of this number, but there was predominance in the Army - 60 thousand soldiers, the Athenians only 30 thousand. Pericles believed that, by having privilege in the sea, the Athenians will be able to block Peloponnese and prevent invasion of the enemy. The Spartans chose the tactic of incursions into the territory of Attica. Attica was
But the controversy did not disappear; the parties did not want to follow the agreement.

The desire to consolidate or dominate in the western Mediterranean led to organize a campaign in Sicily. It was headed by Alcibiades, who hoped that the Sicilian campaign will bring him fame of good commander, but events turned differently. Unsuccessful naval operation in 415 BC. caused a significant expense to the state, but did not bring glory to commanders.

The reason of the campaign was following: before squadron’s sailing someone disfigured herms - columns with the image of God - Hermes. Alcibiades and his friends were accused. Alcibiades was able to justify and insist on an early departure. In the absence of Alcibiades, National Assembly again began to discuss the desecration of herms. Alcibiades fled to Sparta. He was adjudged to death.

After the scuttle of Alcibiades and because of the Nicias’s indecision Athenians were defeated in Sicily. The fleet which came to rescue and was led by Demosthenes did not save the situation. After one of the battle Nicias and Demosthenes were captured and executed.
And in 414 BC. Spartans invaded Attica, and with advice of Alcibiades, took the place named