Artaxerxes II's Conflict with Spartans

Artaxerxes II's conflict with the Spartans was a pivotal episode in the broader context of Greek-Persian relations. The conflict arose as the Spartans, led by Agesilaus II, launched an invasion into Asia Minor. In response, Artaxerxes II sought to undermine Spartan influence by financially supporting their adversaries, notably the Athenians, Thebans, and Corinthians. This strategy was instrumental in engaging the Spartans in the Corinthian War, a conflict that saw various Greek city-states align against Spartan hegemony. The financial subsidies provided by Artaxerxes II were crucial in enabling these city-states to mount a concerted resistance against Spartan forces, thereby altering the balance of power in the region. The culmination of this conflict was marked by the Treaty of Antalcidas, which was brokered by Artaxerxes II. This treaty represented a significant shift in alliances and territorial control. It mandated the return of the Greek cities of Ionia and Aeolis on the Anatolian coast to Persian control, effectively reasserting Persian dominance in the region. In exchange, the treaty recognized Spartan supremacy on the Greek mainland, which allowed Sparta to maintain its influence despite the earlier setbacks. The implications of this treaty were profound, as it not only reshaped the political landscape of Greece but also highlighted the complexities of alliances and enmities in the ancient world. The conflict and its resolution through the treaty underscored the strategic maneuvering of Artaxerxes II and the fluctuating dynamics of power among the Greek city-states.