The Peloponnesian War stands as a defining chapter in ancient Greek history, a monumental clash of two mighty city-states — Sparta and Athens. This war, spanning two decades, shaped the course of ancient Greece and left an indelible mark on the annals of military and political strategy. Background and Causes In the 5th century BCE, Athens emerged as a powerful maritime empire, wielding influence through its Delian League. Sparta, on the other hand, was the epitome of a land-based military powerhouse. The tension between these contrasting powers, exacerbated by territorial