Initial Strategy (431-425 BCE):
- The Pericles' Strategy: Athens, led by the renowned statesman Pericles, initially adopted the strategy of "defensive realism." They sought to avoid direct confrontation with the more powerful Spartan army on land and instead focused on their superior navy.
- Control of the Sea: Pericles recognized that Athens' strength lay in its navy and seafaring capabilities. He ordered the construction of additional warships and fortified the city with the "Long Walls" to protect it from land-based attacks.
- Defensive Stance: Athens chose not to engage in open battles with Sparta on land, instead choosing to raid coastal areas of the Peloponnese and secure alliances with other city-states to weaken Sparta's position.
Middle Phase (425-415 BCE):
- Shift Towards Offensive Actions: As the war prolonged and Sparta faced challenges, Athens became more confident and started conducting more aggressive military operations.
- Expedition to Sicily: In 415 BCE, Athens launched an ambitious expedition to conquer the rich island of Sicily. This marked a departure from their primarily defensive strategy.
Final Stage (414-404 BCE):
- Reversal to Defensive Strategy: Following the disastrous outcome of the Sicilian Expedition, Sparta regained momentum, and Athens found itself in a difficult position.
- Defensive Measures: Athens returned to its original defensive strategy, focusing on protecting their assets and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of supplies.
- Naval Warfare: Athens continued to utilize its strong navy to intercept Spartan shipping routes, maintain supply lines, and protect allies.
Ultimately, the Peloponnesian War ended in Athens' defeat and the surrender of the city-state to Sparta. The evolving strategies adopted by Athens throughout the conflict showcased the evolving nature of warfare and the complexities of the power dynamics in ancient Greece.
