Finally the war broke out. Little city of the Plataeowich belonged to the Beotean Legue decided to become independent.City of Thebes wanted to choke the revolt but were forced back.Plataeoans seeked the support of the Athenean Empire while Thebeansturned to Athens long enemy-Sparta.
First half of the war didn't have any outcome favorableto each side.
As Pericles persuaded Athenian to relay on the seapeople living in the country side moved to the city and left theirbelongings and land to devastation by Spartans.
First Athens wasn't doing that bad. Their soldersraided the coast of Peloponnesus, devastated territory of Megaraand expelled people of the island of Aegina, living Atheniansfrom the crowded city. Then Periclessecured his friendship with king of Macedonia and Thrace on theNorth.
On the winter of the first year of the war, a publicfuneral was held for solders who had died.
During summer time Spartans invaded Attica keepingeverybody inside the walls. Then Athens fell victim to its surcumstances.Plague struck overcrowded Athens taking lives of quarter or mayeven one third of its population. Plague returned two more times-(429B.C.and 427/6 B.C.) killing Pericles and his two sons. Nobody knowsstill what kind of decease did all this killing.
The affects were horrible. Athens was able to fillthe military rolls again in 415, but the older generation thatusually filled the offices and provided leadership was not replacedwith ease.
There was no more leaders after the death of Periclesto continue the war effective. New category of leaders had developed.They did not lead the people but instead were led by demos-sothey were called Demagogues.
In 430 B.C. Platidea surrendered And in 428 B.C.one of the most important allies of Athens-Lesbos decided to revoltagainst the empire. Lesbos was one of the three allies that maintaineda fleet.. Because Sparta didn't take adequate action Athens recoveredLes bos after long siege.
In 425 B.C. Athens obtained a fort in Messenia calledPylos.Spartansanswered with force of hoplites to fight the Athenians but themission failed as Spartans lost control of the island of Sphakteriaand to save its solders Sparta asked for a piece. Athenian assemblyrejected piece offer influenced by Kleon.
In 424 B.C. Athenians decided to invade Beotia butweren't successful. In mean time Spartan General Braisidas marchednorth to court Athenian subjects. As a result Amphilopolis waslost to Spartans. That city was very important because it controlledthe crossing of Strymon river-main route in that area. Athenslost good resources of timber and silver.
In 423 Athens and Sparta concluded a one year truce.But it was short lived since the city of Scione revolted againstAthens. A fleet was sent out and in 421 B.C. city fell to theAthens. All the man in the polis were killed and woman were enslaved.
In 422 B.C. Kleon took athenian army to reclaim Amphilopolis.In the ensuing battle both Kleon and Spartans Brasidas fell withvictory on the Spartas side.
Both sides needed piece. Sparta wanted its hostagesfrom Pylos and Athens suffered great losses in man power. Spartaand Athens signed a treaty called Piece of Nicias.
