Why did Spata and Athens have war?

Answer 1

Sparta did not initiate the Persian Wars. Sparta was very conservative about wars, relying on its reputation to avoid wars. It had problems in keeping down a restive serf population and didn't need extra problems if they could be avoided.

The Persian Wars began when the Greek cities of Asia Minor revolted against Persian rulership. Athens and Eretria intervened, and after the rebellion was put down, Persia turned on Eretria and Athens in mainland Greece, for helping the rebellious cities. This attempt failed at the Battle of Marathon and Persia decided that the only way to keep the peace was to bring all the Greek cities into its empire, where it could control them.

Persia bribed some of these cities into compliance, then invaded to subject the rest. A consortium of Greek city-states combined to oppose this invasion, including Sparta and Athens.

Answer 2

Athens had formed an empire from its allies in the war against Persia. After this war was over it persisted in interfering in the affairs of other cities hich formed themselves into their own league to oppose it.

Continuing pressure of Athens brought on the war when Athens refused to back away from its actions.

Answer 3

Athens converted the Delian League which it led against the Persian Empire into an empire of its own, and used this power to interfere in southern Greek city-states. The last straw was when it imposed a crippling trade ban on its neighbour Megara, a member of the Spartan-led Peloponnesian League. Megara appealed to the Peloponnesian League, Sparta appealed to Athens to back off, Athens persisted, and war broke out.

Answer 4

Sparta and Athens had wars for the food and land and the say of winning wars (example: Persian wars)