In 433, it was Athens who assisted Corcyra in their dispute with Corinth, challenging the sanctity of Corinthian influence over their colony. While it is true that the Corcyraeans, who had always treated the Corinthians with disdain, went looking for help from the Athenians, Corinth viewed the Athenian assistance as an insult to their personal affairs. Instead, after careful consideration of Athenian actions and attempting to solve the situation diplomatically, they made the logical decision to put an end to Athenian challenges of the Greek status quo. The eventual Spartan response was, therefore, the next evolution in Peloponnesian foreign policy toward tyrants. Athens displayed strong empirical ambitions demonstrated by their disregard for Corinthian influence in Corcyra and Potidaea, and the economic decree levied against Megara. A mighty Athens presented a clear and present danger to the Peloponnesian League’s economic and political sovereignty and required a response. While multiple incidents drove the Spartans to declare war on Athens, the fear of Athenian power was undoubtedly not the driving force behind Sparta’s decision.
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