Argos in Greek Inter-Poleis Relations in the 4th Century BC

Elena A Venidiktova

doi:10.5539/jsd.v8n7p222

Abstract

The relevance of the research topic is determined by the fact that the 4th century BC for the Greek poleis was the time of regular inter-poleis conflicts in which a special role was played by Argos. Argos is poorly studied in modern historiography; its place in the historically developed system of Greek poleis has not been properly investigated and evaluated. The paper is aimed at examining the course of foreign policy of the polis of Argos in the 4th century BC and indicating its role in the inter-poleis conflicts. The key methodology of the research is made up by a set of methods based on the study of various data on the topic. The paper indicates the position of Argos in inter-poleis conflicts, reveals the facts of its aggressive foreign policy that was oriented to rival Sparta, presents the stages of activity of the Argives in establishing the state. The paper findings may be useful in academic studies while compiling general works on the military history of ancient Greece, or while running special courses devoted to the history of the political development of ancient Greece.

Highlights

The military science has always been an integral part of human culture, and military conflicts are closely connected with the socio-political relations in the polis itself
The paper indicates the position of Argos in inter-poleis conflicts, reveals the facts of its aggressive foreign policy that was oriented to rival Sparta, presents the stages of activity of the Argives in establishing the state
The 4th century BC is characterized by regular military conflicts between Greek poleis and Argos, which similar to such poleis as Sparta, Athens, Corinth, pursued active foreign policy mostly oriented to rival Sparta for hegemony over the Peloponnese

Summary

Introduction

The military science has always been an integral part of human culture, and military conflicts are closely connected with the socio-political relations in the polis itself. While considering the Greek policy, one of the major problems of studies of antiquity is connected with inter-poleis relations in ancient Greece (Kelly, 1974; Lazenby, 2004; Pritchett, 1972). The 4th century BC is of special interest, as during this period Greek poleis were experiencing a crisis, which brought to the establishment of various inter-poleis alliances. In this relation the role of the Argos polis acquires a great significance. It was one of the most powerful and remarkable poleis in the Hellenic world. The 4th century BC is characterized by regular military conflicts between Greek poleis and Argos, which similar to such poleis as Sparta, Athens, Corinth, pursued active foreign policy mostly oriented to rival Sparta for hegemony over the Peloponnese

Theoretical and Methodological Background of the Research

Argos in the Corinthian War between the Years of 395 and 387 BC

Argos in the Corinthian League

Discussions

Conclusion

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