Phase+3

=The Final Phase: Phase 3 =


 * Phase Three of the Peloponnesian War, also known as the Ionian War, started in the year 412. Sparta had gained the support of Persia. Sparta needed some states to rebel against Athens and they thought the Ionian states would be perfect as they were islands in the Aegean Sea. But, the Ionian states said they would only rebel if they got protection. So, that’s where Persia came in. They helped support all of the rebellions, wearing down Athens' troops and boats. This started to destroy the city's great navy. However, the end actually came when Spartan leader Lysander fought Athens in the Battle of Aegospotami. One reason Lysander had the forces to beat Athens is that he had a close relationship with Cyrus, the Persian Prince. Using this connection he quickly raised enough money to build Sparta a fleet of boats. The boats were strong and powerful and demolished Athens'. This officially ended the war, for there was no way Athens could rebuild its lost fleet. **