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The Peloponnesian War

Aftermath of the Sicilian Expedition

The expedition against Syracuse consumed nearly all of Athens' resources. She had lost a fleet and an army. The government of Athens had made enormous demands on its citizens and on its empire. Athens had shot her best bolt and had failed. The issue now was not how to win but how to avoid defeat.

Still, Athens was not utterly defeated. She still had great resources among her allies and much wealth still flowed into the Piraeus. The Long Walls still ensured that the city could be supplied so long as its navy ruled the seas. It was a measure of her resources to note that Athens now raised yet another fleet and was able to continue the war.

Three serious problems confronted Athens. The most serious was that she still had not the means of defeating her enemies, other than holding on and hoping for a settlement. She also now lacked a great leader such as Pericles or even Alcibiades. And, finally, politics kept interfering with the war—the ancient conflict between the aristocrats and the democrats.

In 414, as a result of reverses in Sicily, the oligarchs were able to seize power. They conducted the war for a few years, but they proved incompetent. Athens suffered more losses, and the oligarchs were widely suspected of colluding with Sparta for an end to the war that would be detrimental to Athens. By 410, sentiment had again swung around in favor of the democrats.

Feelings ran so strongly that Athens welcomed back her prodigal son.