What were the causes and effects of the Peloponnesian War?
Causes:
1. Power struggle between the two leading Greek city-states, Athens and Sparta, for dominance in the Greek world
2. Resentment among Spartan allies towards the growing power of Athens and their expansionist policies
3. Competition for resources and trade routes in the Aegean
4. Disagreement over the direction of the Delian League, an alliance of Greek city-states led by Athens
5. Athenian support for rebellious colonies of Sparta
6. Fear of Spartan militarism and Athenian imperialism
Effects:
1. Devastation and loss of life in both Athens and Sparta, as well as other Greek city-states
2. Weakening of the major Greek city-states, leading to their vulnerability to outside invaders
3. Rise of Macedon as a major power in Greece after the war
4. Loss of cultural and intellectual achievements during the Golden Age of Greece
5. Disruption of trade and economic instability in the region
6. Shift in power dynamics within the Greek world, with Sparta emerging as the dominant city-state after the war.