A study of the strategies and projections of King Archidamus of Sparta as compared to those of Pericles of Athens reveal Archidamus' understanding of the "superiority of land power as a basis for success at sea" in the ancient Mediterranean - as well as Pericles' naivete as to this tenet.

The Peloponnesian War between the city-states of Athens and Sparta (and their respective allies) lasted from 431-404 BC. Conflicts between the two cites dated back further, however, with skirmishes from 460-445 effectively ending in a draw. Major fighting in the Peloponnesian War occurred from 431-421 and ended in Athenian victory. Renewed conflict raged from 413-404, ultimately concluding in Spartan victory.

An understanding of these very different cultures is illustrative of their leaders' ultimate strategies and projections before the conflict. At the time of the war, Greece was divided into two great alliances. Sparta dominated the Peloponnesian League, an alliance in the Peloponnese region. These "allies" i

At the same time, the mighty Athenian Navy would both conduct offensive raids on Spartan coastal assets and bring in supplies at the port at Piraeus. Pericles explained that "if the Athenians would remain quiet, take care of their fleet, refrain from trying to extend their empire in wartime and thus putting their city in danger, they would prevail." In other words, the best offense is a good defense. This conservative strategy, too, has support from Sun Tzu, who noted that "invincibility lies in the defense; the possibility of victory in the attack."

Thucydides (translated by Rex Warner). History of the Peloponnesian War. Penguin Books: New York, NY. 1972.

Secondly, in a related theory, Kagan noted that this strategy flew in the face of Greek habit and culture. Indeed, Athens abandoned this strategy after Pericles died in 429. This is not to say that the plan was unsuccessful to that point - but it was "un-Athenian" to just do nothing and wait.

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Approximate Word count = 1901
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)