This 40+ year conflict between Athens and its allies and the Peloponnesian League is complicated and identifying the key battles depends on the nuances of importance different historians might want to give the various battles to support their preferred understanding of the war. In teaching about this war, I would tend to focus on the actions of key individuals like Cleon and Alcibiades. Among the battles I give priority to are: the attack on Attica by the forces lead by Archidamus; Plataea; Pylos; Amphipolis c 422; the Sicilian Expedition, the naval battle of Arginusae and the events at Aegospotami (since they lead to the Athenians suing for peace). In each case, my emphasis would be on the actions of key individuals and the consequences of these for soldiers and civilians involved. This is a very difficult war to study as it is easy to get lost in the minute details of possibly minor conflicts. It is important to remember the general sweep of events (the "narrative") and I would highlight two components of this – the war is an example of how a dominant state (Athens) can lose all its recent gains and power and of the ebb and flow of power and success during a war.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access

Already a member? Log in here.