355: Second Athenian empire ends | 355: Kalinga appears as Shishunaga vassal - Scroll Down for more details


Source: The amazing video by Ollie Bye (History)

Warning: The following content has been generated using LLMs. Please double check any facts presented here because LLMs get things wrong all the time.

The Fall of the Second Athenian Empire (355 BCE)

The Decline of the Second Athenian Empire

By 355 BCE, the once-powerful Second Athenian Empire—a maritime alliance formed in the aftermath of the Peloponnesian War—had effectively collapsed. This marked the end of Athens' attempts to reclaim its former dominance over the Greek world.

Origins of the Second Athenian Empire

Following its defeat in the Peloponnesian War (431-404 BCE), Athens was stripped of its empire and naval supremacy. However, by 378 BCE, Athens had begun rebuilding its influence through the Second Athenian League (or Confederacy), a defensive alliance aimed at countering Spartan aggression. Unlike the earlier Delian League, this new alliance was initially more voluntary, with member states having greater autonomy.

Factors Leading to Decline

  1. The Social War (357-355 BCE) - The turning point came when key allies, including Chios, Rhodes, and Byzantium, rebelled against Athenian dominance. Athens had increasingly resorted to coercive measures, such as imposing garrisons and financial demands, alienating its allies.
  2. Financial Exhaustion - Athens had drained its resources fighting prolonged wars, including conflicts with Thebes and Macedon. The costly Social War further weakened its treasury.
  3. Rise of Macedon - While not yet the dominant power under Philip II, Macedon's growing influence in northern Greece undermined Athenian ambitions.
  4. Loss of Naval Supremacy - Without loyal allies contributing ships and funds, Athens could no longer maintain its naval dominance.

The Final Blow (355 BCE)

By 355 BCE, Athens was forced to recognize the independence of its rebellious allies, effectively dissolving the Second Athenian League. The city-state would never again wield the same level of power it had during the 5th century BCE.

Aftermath

Athens remained an important cultural and intellectual center, but its political influence waned. The rise of Macedon under Philip II (father of Alexander the Great) would soon reshape the Greek world, leaving Athens as a secondary player in the coming decades.

Would you like more details on any specific aspect of this period?


More events