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Curriculum/The Decline of Athens/The Peace of Antalcidas
The Decline of AthensGrade 3grammar Stage

The Peace of Antalcidas

The Persians bribed Athens with ten thousand coins stamped with archers to revolt against Sparta. Agesilaus was recalled just as he was about to crush Persia. He dryly said, "Ten thousand Persian archers have forced me home." Thebes joined Athens; Agesilaus defeated them at Coronea. Athens used the Persian money to rebuild the Long Walls. All Greek states were at war. Antalcidas, jealous of Agesilaus, advocated peace and was sent to Persia. Out of spite, he signed a shameful treaty giving all Ionian cities and Cyprus to Persia. The Peace of Antalcidas stripped Sparta of power and became a disgrace in history.

The Text

What You'll Learn

1

Comprehension

Notes Athens was bribed with coins showing archers

2

Cause & Consequence

Explains the joke: Persian "archers" on coins defeated him, not soldiers

3

Significance

Recognizes that gold can defeat where armies fail

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