Athens' Walls
Why were the Peloponnesians alarmed at Athens rebuilding its walls?
They feared Athens’ sudden increase in power, especially its growing naval strength.
According to Plutarch, how did Pausanias treat the allied commanders and common soldiers?
With harshness—punishing common men with whips
How does Plutarch describe Aristeides’ manner towards the allies in contrast to Pausanias?
Gentle, reasonable, and humane.
According to Plutarch, why did many allies prefer to pay money instead of providing ships and men?
They were tired of military service and preferred farming and living at ease.
According to Thucydides, why did Athens begin rebuilding its walls immediately after the Persian retreat?
According to Thucydides, why did Athens begin rebuilding its walls immediately after the Persian retreat?
What behaviour made the Ionians and recently liberated allies turn against Pausanias?
His arrogance and dictatorial behaviour at Byzantium.
According to Plutarch, what key role did Aristeides play in shifting the leadership from Sparta to Athens?
Through diplomacy and fair treatment, he gained allied support without using force.
What was Cimon’s response to allies who did not want to serve militarily?
He accepted money and uncrewed ships, allowing them to stay home.
What official justification did Sparta give for requesting that Athens not rebuild its walls?
That fortifications outside the Peloponnese could be used by Persia as a base in a future invasion.
What did the Spartans ultimately do in response to Pausanias’ behaviour, according to Thucydides?
They recalled him, tried him, then stopped sending overseas commanders entirely to avoid corruption.
How much tribute did Aristeides initially assess for the Delian League, according to Plutarch and Thucydides?
460 talents.
How did Cimon’s policy inadvertently strengthen Athenian power?
Athenian crews manned the ships instead, becoming dominant while allies became dependent and submissive.
Describe one key element of Themistocles’ strategy to ensure the walls were completed before Sparta could stop Athens.
He delayed negotiations in Sparta while instructing Athens to continue building; he had Spartan envoys quietly detained until walls were finished.
How does Thucydides indicate the allies’ dissatisfaction contributed to Pausanias’ recall to Sparta?
Reports from allies accused Pausanias of acting like a tyrant, which prompted Sparta to recall him for investigation.
How does Diodorus portray Aristeides’ character in contrast to Pausanias?
As upright, affable, just, and trusted by the allies, winning their obedience willingly.
How does Plutarch describe Cimon’s role in weakening the Great King (Persia)?
By relentlessly pursuing Persian forces and clearing Asia Minor of Persian control.
What strategic reason did Themistocles give for prioritising the walls of Piraeus, and how does this relate to Athens’ future power?
He argued Athens’ future lay in naval power; Piraeus’ three harbours made it vital for controlling the sea and forming the basis of Athenian empire.
What action regarding the Delian League treasury does Diodorus attribute to Aristeides, and how did the allies respond?
He designated Delos as the common treasury and apportioned levy contributions with such fairness that all cities agreed.