The 6 most important battles of the Peloponnesian War

The Peloponnesian War, a grueling 27-year conflict between the city-states of Athens and Sparta, has fascinated historians for centuries.

Unfolding from 431 to 404 BC, it was a period marked by spectacular battles, strategic maneuvering, and dramatic shifts in power.

From the frigid waters of the northern Aegean to the sun-drenched coasts of Sicily, the entire Hellenic world became a stage for the titanic struggle between Athenian democracy and Spartan militarism.

But what were the most pivotal battles that dictated the course of this war?

What strategic innovations and heroic leadership emerged in these confrontations?

And how did these battles influence the ultimate fate of the powerful Athenian Empire and pave the way for the Spartan hegemony?

List of every major Peloponnesian War battle, including photos, images, or maps of the most famous Peloponnesian War battles when available. While it is not a comprehensive list of all skirmishes, conflicts, or battles that took place in the Peloponnesian War, we have tried to include as many military events and actions as possible. All the battles on this Peloponnesian War list are currently listed alphabetically, but if you want to find a specific battle you can search for it by using the "search". Information about these Peloponnesian War battles are included below as well, such as their specific locations and who was involved in the fight.

Battle of Mantinea and Battle of Aegospotami are included on this list.

Timeline of Battles and Treaties in Peloponnesian War

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By 

N.S. Gill

Updated on January 26, 2019

They'd fought cooperatively against the Persian enemy during the prolonged Persian Wars, but afterward, relations, strained even then, fell further apart. Greek against Greek, the Peloponnesian War wore both sides down leading to a state where the leader of Macedonia and his sons, Philip and Alexander, could take control.

The Peloponnesian War was fought between two groups of Greek allies. One was the Peloponnesian League, which had Sparta as its leader. The other leader was Athens, which controlled The Delian League.