Who were the primary combatants in the Peloponnesian War?

The primary combatants in the Peloponnesian War were Athens and Sparta, which were two powerful city-states in ancient Greece. This conflict lasted from 431 to 404 BC and was marked by a struggle not just for dominance in Greece, but also for differing political systems and cultural values. Athens represented a democracy with a focus on naval power and trade, while Sparta was a militaristic oligarchy that relied on its land forces and a rigid social structure. The war had significant consequences for the Greek world, leading to the eventual decline of Athenian power and a shift in the balance of power among the Greek city-states. Understanding this rivalry helps to illustrate the complexities of ancient Greek politics and alliances, shaping the course of its history.