who focused on government and education in ancient greece
Ancient Greece
The peace did not last , however . In 418 an alliance between Athens and Argos was defeated by Sparta at Mantinea . In 415 Athens launched a naval expedition against Sicily ; the expedition ended in disaster with almost the entire army killed . Soon after the Athenian defeat in Syracuse , Athens ' Ionian allies began to rebel against the Delian league , while at the same time Persia began to once again involve itself in Greek affairs on the Spartan side . Initially the Athenian position continued to be relatively strong , winning important battles such as those at Cyzicus in 410 and Arginusae in 406 . However , in 405 the Spartans defeated Athens in the Battle of Aegospotami , and began to blockade Athens ' harbour ; with no grain supply and in danger of starvation , Athens sued for peace , agreeing to surrender their fleet and join the Spartan - led Peloponnesian League .
The peace did not last , however . In 418 an alliance between Athens and Argos was defeated by Sparta at Mantinea . In 415 Athens launched a naval expedition against Sicily ; the expedition ended in disaster with almost the entire army killed . Soon after the Athenian defeat in Syracuse , Athens ' Ionian allies began to rebel against the Delian league , while at the same time Persia began to once again involve itself in Greek affairs on the Spartan side . Initially the Athenian position continued to be relatively strong , winning important battles such as those at Cyzicus in 410 and Arginusae in 406 . However , in 405 the Spartans defeated Athens in the Battle of Aegospotami , and began to blockade Athens ' harbour ; with no grain supply and in danger of starvation , Athens sued for peace , agreeing to surrender their fleet and join the Spartan - led Peloponnesian League .